Global Competition Review recognizes the firm’s work on a high-profile merger and shortlists Gautam Gowrisankaran of Columbia University for Economist of the Year.
Global Competition Review (GCR) has named Cornerstone Research for its economic support in the Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines merger, shortlisted for Merger Control Matter of the Year – Americas. The matter concluded in 2024.
In addition, GCR has recognized Gautam Gowrisankaran, professor of economics at Columbia University and Cornerstone Research senior advisor, as a finalist for Economist of the Year.
The 2025 GCR Awards honor the world’s leading competition professionals, as well as the biggest cases from 2024.
Competition economists shortlisted for Economist of the Year are “among the very best in the field,” having demonstrated “superior technical skill, practical judgement and excellence in client service.”
Cornerstone Research is recognized among the finalists in two categories:
- Merger Control Matter of the Year – Americas: Named for its work on the $1.9 billion merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, Cornerstone Research supported Professor Gowrisankaran, whom the parties jointly retained. Professor Gowrisankaran analyzed the proposed merger’s competitive effects and presented his findings to the agencies. Cornerstone Research also supported both parties in their responses to Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) Second Request.
- Economist of the Year – Gautam Gowrisankaran: Competition economists shortlisted for this honor are “among the very best in the field,” having demonstrated “superior technical skill, practical judgement and excellence in client service.” In 2024, Professor Gowrisankaran served as an economic expert in many high-profile matters, including the Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines merger and United States of America et al. v. JetBlue Airways Corporation and Spirit Airlines Inc.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC on 1 April 2025.