Quintiles has signed an agreement to acquire Novella Clinical, a full-service CRO focused on oncology, as well as medical device and diagnostics sectors. Novella is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, and has more than 800 employees throughout North America and Europe. Novella will operate as a unit within Quintiles. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close later this quarter. Financial terms were not disclosed. 
 
“The expertise and insight the Novella team brings will be a strong addition to our existing capabilities and help further differentiate Quintiles in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” said Paula Brown Stafford, president, Clinical Development at Quintiles. “Novella’s understanding of emerging companies, as well as our shared commitment to quality, customer service, and above all, the patients we ultimately serve, makes this acquisition a good fit for both organizations. We look forward to working collaboratively with Novella to leverage the synergies that exist between our companies to help drive business growth while continuing to meet the needs of our customers.”