Worldwide Clinical Trials has completed its acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research, expanding its oncology capabilities, strengthening its functional service provider model, and broadening its global footprint as it scales its technology-enabled offerings for biopharma clients.
The transaction brings together complementary strengths in oncology, biometrics, and functional services, creating a combined organization of approximately 4,400 employees operating in more than 70 countries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Worldwide Clinical Trials is a global contract research organization focused on neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine. Catalyst Clinical Research, based in Nottingham, England, is a specialized oncology CRO and scalable functional service provider.
The integration expands Worldwide’s presence in early-phase oncology and enhances its biometrics and targeted FSP capabilities. The combined platform is designed to offer biopharma sponsors a broader suite of services, technology platforms, and global site access to support clinical development from early-stage studies through Phase III registration trials.
Catalyst’s former President and CEO, Nik Morton, has joined Worldwide as EVP and Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer. Catalyst Chairman Nick Dyer has also joined Worldwide’s Board of Directors. The company said it has established an integration team to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, and partners.
Worldwide is a portfolio company of Kohlberg, a Mount Kisco, New York-based investment firm focused on healthcare and services businesses. Prior to the closing, Catalyst was backed by QHP Capital, L.P., an investor in life sciences and pharma services companies based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Support: BofA Securities served as the exclusive advisor and Smith Anderson acted as legal counsel to Catalyst. Greenberg Traurig, LLP served as legal counsel to Worldwide.
KEY QUOTES
“The acquisition of Catalyst strengthens Worldwide’s capabilities in a very deliberate way, building a stronger, more capable CRO partner for our customers. It expands our reach into earlier phase oncology, adds targeted FSP and biometrics capabilities, and accelerates our technology platforms, allowing us to better support customers across the full development lifecycle with greater speed, flexibility, and transparency.”
Alistair Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer, Worldwide Clinical Trials
“The completion of the Catalyst acquisition deepens Worldwide’s oncology offering and global reach. Catalyst’s expertise, technology, and strong biotech relationships are a natural fit for Worldwide and reinforce our strategy to build a differentiated, technology-enabled CRO.”
Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman, Worldwide Clinical Trials, And Senior Operating Partner, Kohlberg
“Joining the Worldwide team is an exciting next chapter for Catalyst. We are energized by the cultural alignment between our teams and share a deep commitment to scientific excellence, operational integrity, and a people-first approach. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to customers worldwide.”
Nik Morton, EVP And Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Worldwide Clinical Trials
