Worldwide Clinical Trials Completes Acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research

Worldwide Clinical Trials, a global contract research organization, has completed its acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research, LCC, a specialized oncology CRO and scalable functional service provider. The strategic transaction creates a combined organization with highly complementary strengths in oncology, biometrics, and FSP capabilities, expanding its employee base to approximately 4,400 across more than 70 countries.

The addition of Catalyst's deep expertise in early phase oncology, along with its robust FSP model, significantly augments Worldwide's scientific depth, operational agility, and therapeutic strengths across neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine. Customers now have access to an expanded suite of services, innovative technology platforms, and a broader global site network – supporting efficient, transparent, and flexible development across the clinical trial lifecycle.

The Chief Executive Officer stated that the acquisition expands the company's reach into earlier phase oncology, adds targeted FSP and biometrics capabilities, and accelerates technology platforms, allowing better support for customers across the full development lifecycle with greater speed, flexibility, and transparency.

The Executive Chairman noted that Catalyst's expertise, technology, and strong biotech relationships are a natural fit for Worldwide and reinforce the strategy to build a differentiated, technology-enabled CRO.

The former President and CEO of Catalyst has joined Worldwide as EVP and Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer. Catalyst's Chairman of the Board has also joined Worldwide's Board of Directors. An integration team has been established, with a comprehensive plan underway to ensure a smooth and effective transition for employees, customers, and partners.

Worldwide acquired Catalyst for an undisclosed amount.

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 is based in Nottingham, England. The company delivers therapeutically dedicated expertise with comprehensive support across every development phase – from early-stage and first-in-human studies through Phase III registration trials.

Worldwide is a portfolio company of Kohlberg. Based in Mount Kisco, N.Y., Kohlberg invests in healthcare and services companies. Prior to the deal closing, Catalyst was a portfolio company of QHP Capital, L.P. QHP Capital is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and invests in life sciences and pharma services companies.

BofA Securities served as exclusive advisor and Smith Anderson served as legal counsel to Catalyst. Greenberg Traurig, LLP served as legal counsel to Worldwide.