Worldwide Clinical Trials has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Catalyst Clinical Research. Following the close of the transaction, Nick Dyer, Chairman of the Board, Catalyst, will join Worldwide’s Board of Directors, and Nik Morton, President and CEO, Catalyst, will join Worldwide’s executive leadership team.

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.

“Bringing Worldwide and Catalyst together elevates our capabilities in oncology and provides a new solution for our collective customers. We are excited to add Catalyst’s deep operational expertise and oncology credibility to our own well-known CNS specialist CRO capabilities to create a differentiated biotech-oriented oncology solution. Our combined customers seek focused senior executive connection and attention, predictability, speed, flexibility and scientific rigour. They will benefit from the addition of a scalable FSP model with integrated onshore/offshore service lines, while we leverage advanced business management tools and AI to drive operational excellence. Beyond the science, this is about people – bringing together talented teams, expanding opportunities and working together to deliver more agile trials for our customers,” said Alistair Macdonald, Chief Executive Office, Worldwide.

This strategic combination creates immediate value for customers by establishing Worldwide as a leading oncology-focused CRO, while maintaining depth across multiple therapeutic areas and strengthening its footprint and scale to deliver larger global trials. The integration of Catalyst’s two established solutions – Catalyst Oncology and Catalyst Flex – will strengthen Worldwide’s portfolio, offering customers proven expertise and new services for full-service, FSP resourcing and hybrid solutions.

Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman, Worldwide and Senior Operating Partner, Kohlberg, the majority owner of the company, commented, “Integrating Catalyst will accelerate Worldwide’s growth in oncology and expand both its customer base and global reach simultaneously. Their specialised expertise, innovative platforms and strong relationships with emerging biotech sponsors align perfectly with our vision for building a differentiated, technology-enabled CRO. This is a strategic step towards creating a more agile and competitive organisation that can meet the evolving needs of clinical research globally.”

The integration of complementary technology platforms and the best-in-class operational practices will enable enhanced data visibility and improved efficiency throughout the development lifecycle – helping customers bring life-changing therapies to patients more quickly.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for both Catalyst and Worldwide. By joining forces, Catalyst brings our specialised early phase oncology expertise together with Worldwide’s strength in late phase development, expanding our global footprint and delivering differentiated oncology solutions globally. Together, our expanded global footprint will allow us to deliver our FSP solutions to a broader set of customers. Our shared commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centric solutions will allow us to scale our impact and bring greater value to our customers and the patients they serve. Most importantly, Catalyst and Worldwide share a steadfast commitment to a people-first culture – a strategic differentiator that empowers employees to do their best work and deliver exceptional value to customers and patients,” said Nik Morton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Catalyst.