Evestia Clinical (formerly known as EMAS Pharma) has merged with Atlantic Research Group (ARG), a US-based CRO, to create an independent global specialist CRO group targeting fast-growing pharmaceutical markets. The strategic combination immediately more than doubles Evestia Clinical's size by headcount and service delivery capability while significantly expanding its therapeutic and geographic reach.
Expanded Global Footprint and Capabilities
The merger expands Evestia Clinical's global footprint in the U.S. and broadens its therapeutic and services offering to include neurology and late-stage clinical trial services. The enlarged group also provides access to enhanced technologies to further meet the tailored needs of its clients.
Following the merger, the combined Group will provide a full suite of clinical trial services across the development life cycle from Phase 1 – Phase 3 and beyond. The Group's combined technologies will enhance its ability to deliver specialized services to clients across a range of therapeutic areas.
ARG's clients will benefit from a seamless transition to Evestia Clinical, with immediate access to its global presence and capabilities, including new areas of therapeutic expertise, such as rare diseases.
Leadership Perspectives on Strategic Combination
Richard Barfield, Chairman of Evestia Clinical, emphasized the strategic fit: "The Evestia Clinical board and leadership team identified ARG as the perfect company to combine with at this stage in our journey. The reputation of ARG's leadership team and its high-quality CRO offering is widely recognized within the biotech and specialty pharma industry, and we are excited that they have chosen to grow with us as part of the Evestia Clinical group."
Lewis Cameron, CEO of Evestia Clinical, expressed enthusiasm about the merger's potential: "We're incredibly excited to be joining forces with ARG as we accelerate our journey to build Evestia Clinical into a leading mid-tier specialist CRO with a truly global reach. The combined Group will immediately provide benefits for our clients, and I look forward to working with Paul, Lyle and the broader ARG team as we grow Evestia Clinical together and deliver the highest quality services to clients worldwide."
Paul Bishop, CEO of ARG, and Lyle Camblos, President of ARG, highlighted their confidence in the partnership: "In Evestia Clinical and Kester Capital, ARG has found the ideal and trusted partner for our next stage of growth. The highly experienced and globally recognized leadership team at Evestia Clinical is building a world-class specialist CRO provider and we are excited to bring across our whole team on this journey. We are pleased that our customers will be able to benefit from this seamless continuity as well as the combined Group's enhanced capabilities."
Specialized Therapeutic Expertise
Atlantic Research Group brings over 20 years of clinical trial experience, providing services in immunology, oncology, neurology, medical and biopharma technology. The company has established itself as a trusted CRO provider to leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide and serves as global leaders in ALS/MND CRO services.
ARG provides a wide range of services from complete trial design and management, to biostatistical and data management solutions, and consulting for complex trials in specialty areas.
Integration and Organizational Structure
Following the merger, ARG will integrate with Evestia Clinical's operations with no change to its services or teams. The ARG leadership team will join the senior leadership team of the enlarged Group to support future growth and expansion. All employees are expected to transition as part of the agreement.
Evestia Clinical will be headquartered in the UK in Letchworth and in the USA in Charlottesville, VA, with global capabilities through its network of offices, CRO professionals and expert partners.
Market Positioning and Growth Strategy
Adam Maidment, Managing Partner at Kester Capital, commented on the strategic significance: "The addition of ARG to Evestia Clinical is an important step in the Company's goal to become a truly global specialist CRO that provides high-quality, tailored services to clients in complex, high-research therapeutic areas. The global CRO market is attractive and growing and Evestia Clinical continues to accelerate and grow its market share."
Neal McCarthy from Fairmount Partners, who advised on the deal, noted: "Fairmount was pleased to advise on a deal between two complementary companies where we know both teams really well. We have every confidence this merger will support Evestia Clinical's mission to become a leading mid-tier pharmaceutical services specialist with a global presence."
Evestia Clinical's board and leadership team have a strong track record of building market-leading mid-tier CROs with a reputation for operational excellence and outstanding service delivery. The combination with ARG represents further evidence of the Company's ambitions to rapidly grow its offering and services to customers around the world.
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
