BRG acquires big data specialist Vista Analytics
Berkeley Research Group (BRG) has acquired Vista Analytics, a Washington, DC–based data analytics firm focused on disputes and litigation.
With the volume and complexity of data in disputes growing, law and consulting firms increasingly require tools that allow them to understand the reams of data, while cutting down analysis time and costs.
Vista Analytics uses machine learning and advanced databases to deliver custom solutions which allow firms to leverage the power of big data. This includes predictive models to help tackle data-intensive challenges in complex disputes.
Founded in 2016 by Michael Faraci and Craig Freeman and based in Washington, Vista Analytics has a team of 12 experts.
BRG's acquisition of Vista expands the global consulting firm’s AI and machine learning capabilities.
"The addition of Vista Analytics is an exciting development," said David J. Teece, BRG chairman and principal executive officer. "They bring sophisticated and complementary tools to our market-leading data analytics expertise."
Vista’s senior team includes a number of experts in the specialized field of litigation technology. Managing director Craig Freeman has deep knowledge in the design, implementation, and support of litigation technology, and has led several large dispute technology practices.
"I am delighted that we have found a great fit with BRG," said Freeman. "We look forward to combining the right technology with associated process control to identify new insights, increase work product quality, and streamline time and expense involved in the data analysis process.”
Joining Freeman at BRG are a trio of directors, as well as the rest of the Vista team. Director Xuning Tang, PhD, brings more than a decade of academic and industrial experience in machine learning, natural language processing, and big data technologies. He has managed large teams in the delivery of analytics solutions, and has published more than 35 peer-reviewed research papers.
Director Dion Gibson has more than 12 years of industry experience, having managed hundreds of electronically stored information projects for law firms and other sector clients.
Director Yihua Astle has substantial experience in machine learning and advanced analytics consulting in the legal, compliance, finance, and media industries. She has developed and deployed numerous predictive models that have lowered operational costs for law firms and Fortune 500s.
Headquartered in Emeryville, California, BRG provides strategy & operations, disputes & investigations, and corporate finance services to clients across a range of industries, including energy, financial services, construction, and healthcare. Founded in 2010, the consultancy has more than 1,200 professionals across offices in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions.
Earlier this year, BRG acquired Chicago-based Prism Healthcare Partners, a healthcare industry–focused consulting firm. The move expanded BRG’s healthcare practice to 350 consultants.
