An apparatus and method for performing a Hedge Technique Analysis are used to enhance the performance of the functional logic design of a large scale integrated circuit while simplifying the underlying logic. The methodology first runs performance tests on the logic circuitry to assess the timing and characterize the logic paths; next, functional paths are identified and listed; common logic path leaves, twigs, and branches are then identified and ranked by the number of critical paths associated with each; all high ranking common logic path leaves, twigs, and branches are then collapsed; and, timing paths are re-run to characterize the final performance rating of the functional design.