Charles River Associates acquires labor specialist Welch Consulting

Management consulting firm Charles River Associates (CRA) has acquired Welch Consulting, a firm specializing in consulting and testifying services for labor and employment issues.

Founded in 1978, Welch provides economic consulting, research, and analysis for labor and employment. The firm has worked with major law firms and corporations in nearly industry, and has completed engagements throughout the US, UK, and South America.

Welch has expertise advising on employment discrimination cases, wage and hours claims, pay equity and employment practice audits, and economic damages analysis. 

The consulting firm has approximately 45 people across offices in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Bryan, Texas.

CRA’s acquisition of Welch will double the size of its labor and employment practice and strengthen its analysis and advisory capabilities in the area.

Charles River Associates acquires labor specialist Welch Consulting

“We are thrilled to welcome aboard Welch Consulting’s team of experts,” said Paul Maleh, president and CEO of CRA. “They will deepen our bench and enhance the in-depth analysis and advisory services we provide to law firms, companies, and government agencies involved in complex labor and employment matters.”

As part of the transaction, which closed on February 28, Welch’s team of 45 professional will join CRA. Five leaders will join the firm as vice presidents: G. Edward Anderson, Amy Aukstikalnis, Hyowook Chiang, Valentín Estévez, and Jora Stixrud. Additionally, Donald Deere and Michael Ward will affiliate with CRA as senior consultants.

The acquisition arrives amid growing national trends related to fair treatment in the workplace, including fairness in pay, promotion, and hiring.

“I look forward to working with this stellar group of economists, each of whom is a recognized expert in the field of labor and employment,” said Matthew Thompson, a CRA vice president and leader of the labor and employment practice.

Headquartered in Boston, CRA advises on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, as well as business strategy and performance-related issues. The firm has more than 800 professionals across offices in the Americas, Europe, and Australia.

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