Private equity firm sets out expansion plan for EMAS Pharma
UK private equity investor Kester Capital has announced it will buy EMAS Pharma, the clinical trial services division of Bionical EMAS.
The firm cited the UK trial contractor’s capabilities in studies focused on oncology, rare diseases, inflammation, immunology, and microbiome therapeutics as the main driver.
London-based Kester announced the takeover plan last week, also revealing it plans to install a new executive team to run EMAS Pharma as a stand-alone business.
According to Kester, the investment will enable the company “to scale rapidly, both organically and through acquisitions, to broaden its range of bespoke and tailored service capabilities, enhance its technology base, and strengthen its presence in global markets, including North America and Europe.
“EMAS Pharma will be rebranded to reflect the new company’s strong independent and global position in due course,” the company said.
Richard Barfield, who will become the non-executive chair of EMAS Pharma, commented, “I am very excited to announce the establishment of EMAS Pharma as an independent CRO.
“We have the people, the investor support, and a CRO platform that will allow us to rapidly grow the company by broadening our services, enhancing the technology base, and expanding the geographic reach both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”
News of the sale follows a strategic review in which UK-based Bionical decided to focus on its early access programs and trial supply business. The early access programs allow patients with serious conditions to access treatments that would otherwise unavailable.
Adam Maidment, managing partner at Kester, said, “Kester has invested in CROs for over a decade, and we believe EMAS Pharma is an excellent platform operating in an attractive, growing, and global market.”
According to its website, the UK private equity firm has holdings in pharmacovigilance consultancy, GXP Engaged, and device services company Frontier Medical.
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