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 in fast-growing markets.

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.

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 is further evidence of the Company’s ambitions to rapidly grow its offering and services to customers around the world.

The deal immediately more than doubles the size of Evestia Clinical by headcount and service delivery capability. In turn, 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.

Richard Barfield, Chairman of Evestia Clinical, said: “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.”

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.

Paul Bishop, CEO of ARG, and Lyle Camblos, President of ARG, said: “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.”

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.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

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