The global contract research organization (CRO) Worldwide Clinical Trials is making an acquisition of Catalyst Clinical Research. Monetary terms are undisclosed at this time. Catalyst is a specialized oncology CRO most known for expertise in early-phase oncology trials.

The strategic acquisition establishes Worldwide as an oncology-focused CRO that still maintains depth across multiple therapeutic areas.

Worldwide, Catalyst Leaders Tout Acquisition

“Bringing Worldwide and Catalyst together elevates our capabilities in oncology and provides a new solution for our collective customers,” said Worldwide CEO Alistair Macdonald. “They will benefit from the addition of a scalable FSP [functional service provider] model with integrated onshore/offshore service lines, while we leverage advanced business management tools and AI to drive operational excellence.”

“By joining forces, Catalyst brings our specialized early-phase oncology expertise together with Worldwide’s strength in late-phase development, expanding our global footprint and delivering differentiated oncology solutions globally,” said Nik Morton, President and CEO of Catalyst. “Together, our expanded global footprint will allow us to deliver our FSP solutions to a broader set of customers.”

“This is a strategic step toward creating a more agile and competitive organization that can meet the evolving needs of clinical research globally,” said Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman of Worldwide and Senior Operating Partner of Kohlberg. Kohlberg acquired a majority stake in Worldwide Clinical Trials in August 2023.

For its part, Catalyst has been a portfolio company of QHP Capital leading up to this transaction.

Catalyst Board Members Join Worldwide

As part of the acquisition, Nick Dyer, Chairman of the Board of Catalyst, will join Worldwide’s Board of Directors. Meanwhile, Morton will join Worldwide’s executive leadership team.

Furthermore, Catalyst’s two established solutions, Catalyst Oncology and Catalyst Flex, will join Worldwide’s portfolio.

The transaction is expected to close later in the first quarter of 2026.

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