Raleigh-based contract research organization PRA, aiming to boost its capabilities to run global clinical trials, has acquired the Eastern Europe-focused CRO ClinStar.
ClinStar runs clinical trials in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic States. The San Francisco-based CRO also has a Durham business development office, which opened in 2011.
No financial terms were disclosed between the two privately-held companies.
PRA’s ClinStar acquisition comes as CROs look to grow by adding geographic reach. ClinStar had billed itself as the largest independent, geographically-focused CRO in Russia and Eastern Europe. PRA offers clinical trial services in more than 80 countries. PRA’s CEO Colin Shannon characterized the ClinStar acquisition as a “logical fit for PRA.”
“ClinStar will augment PRA’s operations and expertise in Russia and Eastern Europe,” Shannon said in a statement. “Their knowledge and experience in this region complements PRA’s overall global reach and infrastructure.”
The acquisition also includes ClinStar’s stand-alone clinical trial warehousing and logistics division IMP Logistics, which operates in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. IMP Logistics gives PRA the capability to offer its logistics services to its clients, such as the delivery of products and materials used in clinical trials.
PRA plans to integrate the 300 employees of ClinStar and IMP Logistics. ClinStar CEO David Passov will stay on board as a PRA executive, now holding the position of senior vice president, Eastern Europe.
