CRA International Will Buy Marakon Associates

BOSTON (AP) — Management and financial consulting company CRA International Inc. said Wednesday it is buying business strategy consulting firm Marakon Associates for undisclosed terms.

CRA said the acquisition will give a slight boost to its profit this year. The deal will increase CRA's business consulting capabilities and create a new value management practice, the company said.

Marakon Chief Executive Mason Kissell will lead the practice. CRA said it plans to keep about 50 Marakon consultants, nine of whom will become vice presidents for CRA.