Symeres, a global drug discovery contract research organization (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced on October 25 the acquisition of Exemplify BioPharma, a US-based CRO that provides integrated end-to-end small molecule chemistry manufacturing and controls services to pharmaceutical and biotech partners. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Keensight Capital, a private equity firm and the majority shareholder in Symeres, has worked together with the management teams of both companies to facilitate this business combination. This acquisition further strengthens Symeres’ strategic foothold in the United States.

Saola Healthcare Partners acted as strategic and financial advisor, Goodwin Procter LLP as legal advisor and Alvarez & Marsal as financial due diligence advisor to Symeres.

Based in Cranbury, New Jersey, Exemplify BioPharma offers functional expertise and consultancy services in process chemistry, analytical chemistry and formulation development for a successful transition of programs from late-stage lead optimization through candidate selection to first-in-human. The company has 20 employees on staff.

Symeres has more than 600 employees operating from seven sites in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Finland and the United States. Symeres was acquired by Keensight Capital in May 2021.

According to the LevinPro HC database, this marks the 33rd acquisition of a CRO in 2022 and the third of the month. The Exemplify BioPharma acquisition also marks Symeres’ second acquisition in the United States this year, following the acquisition of Organix Inc. in April 2022.