ACG WI: Women's Network | Negotiation

Ann has a proven track record leading successful merger and acquisition projects for middle-market companies. Her distinctive background includes more than 20 years of C-level management experience, including involvement in multiple corporate start-ups.

As Managing Director and Co-founder of Taureau Group, Ann was instrumental in guiding the firm’s intentional evolution. From its roots within a regional CPA firm, she reinvented the M&A practice to create a true boutique investment banking practice. Today, the firm is a fully independent investment banking firm that upholds a relentless drive to realize the best outcomes for clients.

Ann is a licensed investment banker and real estate broker with extensive operational experience as owner of several successful businesses. Her background also includes corporate work for General Motors and Shell Oil.

Linda Mertz, CPA, CEO of Mertz, offers a rare combination of years of experience, sound advice and extensive industry connections to help clients identify and pursue their best path in times of transition.

Clients turn to Linda for advice informed by over 25 years of M&A experience in selling and buying manufacturing, distribution and business service companies. Throughout her career, she has built an extensive network of due diligence partners, investment bankers and other strategic allies who can help clients facilitate important transactions. She also offers operational experience to her clients, having held various executive positions in the equipment-leasing field.

In addition to providing counsel to business owners, Linda brings her experienced insights to her service on several corporate and nonprofit boards including Skyline Technologies, OwnersEdge, Services Plus, Association for Corporate Growth and TEMPO Milwaukee.

A longtime leader in the M&A community, Linda is a founding member of AICA - Alliance of International Corporate Advisors, as well as past president and chairperson of the International Network of M&A Partners, a global network of highly respected merger and acquisition specialists. She is a frequent public speaker, presenter and panel participant on M&A topics, and has earned honors including the Woman of Influence Award and ACG Meritorious Service Award.

Linda earned a B.A. in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma. She earned an executive MBA with honors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.