Worldwide Clinical Trials Completes Acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research

CRO expands oncology, adds functional service provider capabilities, strengthens global reach, and accelerates technology to enhance customer value

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. & NOTTINGHAM, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#CROleader—Worldwide Clinical Trials (“Worldwide” or the “Company”), a global contract research organization (CRO), has completed its acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research, LCC (“Catalyst”) – a specialized oncology CRO and scalable functional service provider (FSP). This strategic transaction creates a combined organization with highly complementary strengths in oncology, biometrics, and FSP capabilities, substantially enhancing Worldwide’s offerings to biopharma customers globally and 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 acquisition of Catalyst strengthens Worldwide’s capabilities in a very deliberate way, building a stronger, more capable CRO partner for our customers,” said Alistair Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide. “It expands our reach into earlier phase oncology, adds targeted FSP and biometrics capabilities, and accelerates our technology platforms, allowing us to better support customers across the full development lifecycle with greater speed, flexibility, and transparency.”

“The completion of the Catalyst acquisition deepens Worldwide’s oncology offering and global reach,” said Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman of Worldwide and Senior Operating Partner of Kohlberg, the majority owner of the Company. “Catalyst’s expertise, technology, and strong biotech relationships are a natural fit for Worldwide and reinforce our strategy to build a differentiated, technology-enabled CRO.”

“Joining the Worldwide team is an exciting next chapter for Catalyst,” said Nik Morton, former President and CEO of Catalyst, who joins Worldwide as EVP, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer. “We are energized by the cultural alignment between our teams and share a deep commitment to scientific excellence, operational integrity, and a people-first approach. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to customers worldwide.”

In addition to Morton, Catalyst’s Chairman of the Board, Nick Dyer, joins 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. The Company will leverage its best strengths and practices to unlock new growth and innovation opportunities for customers.

Worldwide acquired Catalyst for an undisclosed amount.

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”). 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.

About Worldwide Clinical Trials

Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide) is a global CRO serving development-driven biopharmaceutical companies, with more than 4,400 professionals operating across more than 70 countries. The company delivers therapeutically dedicated expertise in neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine, with comprehensive support across every development phase – from early-stage and first-in-human studies through Phase III registration trials.

The company’s flexible service model – spanning full-service trial management to functional service partnerships through Worldwide Flex – is powered by a people-first, partnership-driven outsourcing approach that strengthens collaboration, enhances data transparency, and supports more informed decision making. This provides sponsors with tailored, adaptable solutions that keep pace with the evolving demands of clinical research. Learn more at www.worldwide.com.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Jill Shahravar
Jill.Shahravar@worldwide.com
919-389-9253