Worldwide Clinical Trials has completed the acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research, a specialised oncology Contract Research Organisation (CRO) and Functional Service Provider (FSP), creating a combined platform with complementary strengths across oncology, biometrics and scalable FSP services.

The transaction enhances Worldwide’s scientific depth and operational agility, particularly in early-phase oncology, while broadening its therapeutic capabilities across neuroscience, oncology, rare disease and internal medicine. Following the acquisition, the combined organisation employs approximately 4,400 professionals operating in more than 70 countries, offering biopharma customers an expanded global site network, advanced technology platforms and flexible development models across the clinical trial lifecycle.

Alistair Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide, said the acquisition was a deliberate step to strengthen the company’s offering. He said, “It expands our reach into earlier-phase oncology, adds targeted FSP and biometrics capabilities and accelerates our technology platforms, enabling us to support customers with greater speed, flexibility and transparency.”

Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman of Worldwide and Senior Operating Partner of Kohlberg, the company’s majority owner, noted that Catalyst’s oncology expertise and biotech relationships align with Worldwide’s strategy to build a differentiated, technology-enabled CRO with global reach.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Prior to the acquisition, Catalyst was backed by QHP Capital, while Worldwide is a portfolio company of Kohlberg. BofA Securities acted as exclusive advisor to Catalyst, with Smith Anderson serving as legal counsel. Greenberg Traurig, LLP advised Worldwide on the transaction.