hVIVO, an early-stage Contract Research Organisation (CRO), has acquired two Clinical Research Units (CRUs) from CRS Clinical Research Services Management (CRS), a German full-service early-phase CRO which provides early clinical development services, including first-in-human and proof-of-concept trials. The acquisition has been completed for a cash consideration of €10 million.
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, CRS has enrolled over 7,700 participants in the past six years across 260 trials. hVIVO has acquired CRS’ Mannheim and Kiel units which accommodate 120 beds in total, with the Mannheim facility being one of the largest clinical trial facilities in Germany with 94 beds. CRS’ Berlin site will remain an independent operation, continuing as hVIVO’s preferred partner for specialised clinical trials.
CRS has an extensive and diversified European client base across pharmaceutical, biotechnology and CRO businesses, including four of the world’s largest 10 biopharma companies. CRS Mannheim specialises in conducting cardiometabolic, immunology/inflammation, and complex PK/PD studies in healthy volunteers, while Kiel is renowned for its expertise in trials involving renal and hepatic impaired patients.
The acquisition expands hVIVO’s suite of services while also strengthening the group’s existing service offering. hVIVO will now offer Phase I and in-patient Phase II clinical trial services including first-in-human, SAD/MAD, BE/BA, QTc, DDI and specialist renal and hepatic impairment trials. CRS currently outsources a number of services which the group will now be able to provide in-house, such as laboratory, biometry, and consulting services including CMC, Clinical, PK, as well as regulatory services.
The addition of two new sites in continental Europe gives the group international clinical site capabilities for large field trials and means that it can now offer patient recruitment services in two of Europe’s most highly populated countries with high levels of clinical trial activity.
Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan, Chief Executive Officer of hVIVO plc, said: “I am delighted to have completed this acquisition of CRS’ clinical research units at Mannheim and Kiel, aligning with our M&A strategy to find complementary businesses that can further broaden our service offering.
“The acquisition will establish a significant European footprint for hVIVO, which combined with CRS’ expertise in early clinical development, will create significant synergies and growth opportunities for the entire Group.
“CRS is a well-respected brand in the industry providing high quality services for early-stage clinical development. They are one of the leading European clinical trial units with a loyal customer base, a strong team, and a history of delivering consistent revenues. I look forward to working with the CRS team and leveraging our combined expertise to deliver growth for the Group.”
Dr Elisabeth Lackner, Chief Executive Officer of CRS, said: “I am delighted that the CRS Mannheim and Kiel units are joining the hVIVO Group. Together, we can leverage each other’s specialist CRO expertise and complementary infrastructures. CRS’ clinical trial sites seamlessly enhance hVIVO’s site services offering, and the combined Group will be able to develop new ways to benefit our global client base.”