Worldwide Clinical Trials, a global contract research organization (CRO), announced on January 20 that it will be acquiring Wilmington, North Carolina-headquartered Catalyst Clinical Research, LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Catalyst Clinical Research, LLC is a specialized CRO delivering customizable clinical research solutions to the global biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries through two established offerings: Catalyst Flex and Catalyst Oncology. With more than 400 staff and offices in the United States and European Union, the company provides multi-therapeutic global resourcing and functional services via Catalyst Flex, alongside a full-service oncology CRO through Catalyst Oncology. Catalyst is a portfolio company of QHP Capital, a private equity firm based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Worldwide Clinical Trials works in partnership with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to create customized solutions that advance new medications. Worldwide’s capabilities include bioanalytical laboratory services, Phase I-IV clinical trials and post-approval and real-world evidence studies. The company is therapeutically focused on neuroscience, oncology, rare disease and cardiometabolic and inflammatory disease. Its global footprint spans more than 60 countries with more than 3,500 team members. Worldwide is a portfolio company of Kohlberg & Company, a private equity firm that acquired a majority stake in 2023.
Under the terms of the agreement, Worldwide will acquire Catalyst for an undisclosed amount, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026. Both companies remain committed to ensuring a seamless transition for employees, customers and partners.
BofA Securities served as exclusive advisor and Smith Anderson served as legal counsel to Catalyst. Greenberg Traurig, LLP served as legal counsel to Worldwide.
According to data captured in the LevinPro HC database, this transaction represents the 12th Life Sciences R&D acquisition of the year, as well as the sixth in the CRO subsector. Other acquirers in the space this year include Taconic Biosciences,WEP Clinical, Charles River Laboratories, Analytical Biological Services and Avance Clinical. There were 83 Life Sciences R&D deals announced in 2025, including 18 CRO deals. In 2024, there were 92 Life Sciences R&D and 35 CRO transactions announced.
