Eurofins Scientific, a provider of analytical support services to the global pharmaceutical industry, has acquired Villapharma Research SL in Spain. The transaction is expected to close in February 2017.

Villapharma provides organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry services to global pharmaceutical and biotech companies for the discovery and optimization of potential new drug candidates. Founded in 2003, Villapharma employs 86 staff at its laboratory in Murcia and runs a research outsourcing business model for its clients. The company expects to generate more than €6m of revenues in 2016.

According to Eurofins, Villapharma’s offering is complementary to their own existing competencies as a provider of pharmaceutical discovery services, currently focused primarily on safety pharmacology, ADME and target pathways.

“The addition of Villapharma adds another spectrum of new services that Eurofins can now offer to our clients,” said Gilles Martin, chief executive officer, Eurofins. “To benefit from the trend in the discovery pharmacology field for outsourcing to CROs, Eurofins is expanding its portfolio and footprint in this industry. This transaction is another demonstration of Eurofins’ commitment to provide the most comprehensive portfolio of laboratory services in the industry.”

José Manuel Villalgordo, chief executive officer, Villapharma Research, said, “With the integration of Villapharma into the large Eurofins group, the company expands its portfolio of services from hit finding to pre-clinical drug candidates.”