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CRA Expands M&A and Antitrust Capabilities with New Vice President

By  |  April 16, 2026

Charles River Associates has brought on Hitesh Makhija as a vice president in its Antitrust & Competition Economics Practice, a move that adds another experienced mergers and litigation specialist to the firm, according to a statement.

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    Makhija’s work centers on antitrust economics and industrial organization. He has led teams of economists and conducted economic and financial analysis tied to merger reviews and antitrust disputes across sectors such as semiconductors, airlines, automobiles, software, retail, and broadcasting, per a statement.

    In past cases, he has supported academic experts and managed consulting teams through different phases of litigation. He has also presented evidence to regulators in the United States, Canada, and Europe, according to a statement. His experience includes advising large corporations, including Fortune 100 companies, on assessing antitrust risks related to business decisions.

    Read more: Charles River Associates Adds Senior Consultant to Antitrust Practice

    The hire also marks a return to CRA. Makhija previously worked at the firm from 2012 to 2022 before joining another international economics consultancy as a vice president. In that role, he analyzed the competitive effects of mergers and allegations of anticompetitive conduct in industries ranging from oil and gas to hardware and airlines, per a statement. He has submitted evidence to agencies including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, the European Commission, and the Canadian Competition Bureau.

    Makhija earned a degree in computer engineering from the University of Mumbai and a master’s degree in economics from New York University, according to a statement.

    Source: CRAI