RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., and NOTTINGHAM, England — Worldwide Clinical Trials, a global contract research organization, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Catalyst Clinical Research, a specialized oncology-focused CRO, in a move aimed at strengthening its oncology capabilities, expanding functional service provider offerings, and enhancing its global reach.
Catalyst is known for its expertise in early-phase oncology trials, biometrics, and a flexible functional service provider model. Following the close of the transaction, Nick Dyer, Chairman of the Board of Catalyst, will join Worldwide’s Board of Directors, while Nik Morton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst, will join Worldwide’s executive leadership team.
The combination is expected to position Worldwide as a leading oncology-focused CRO while maintaining depth across multiple therapeutic areas. Worldwide said the integration will immediately enhance its ability to support larger global oncology trials, expand site access, and accelerate the adoption of integrated technology platforms designed to improve speed, transparency, and operational efficiency for customers.
“Bringing Worldwide and Catalyst together elevates our capabilities in oncology and provides a new solution for our collective customers,” said Alistair Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide. “We are excited to add Catalyst’s deep operational expertise and oncology credibility to our own well-known CNS specialist CRO capabilities to create a differentiated biotech-oriented oncology solution. Our combined customers seek focused senior executive connection and attention, predictability, speed, flexibility, and scientific rigor. They will benefit from the addition of a scalable FSP model with integrated onshore/offshore service lines, while we leverage advanced business management tools and AI to drive operational excellence. Beyond the science, this is about people – bringing together talented teams, expanding opportunities, and working together to deliver more agile trials for our customers.”
Worldwide said the integration of Catalyst’s Catalyst Oncology and Catalyst Flex platforms will expand its service portfolio, enabling customers to access full-service, FSP, and hybrid clinical development solutions. The company added that combining operational best practices and complementary technologies is expected to improve data visibility and efficiency across the clinical development lifecycle.
Matt Jennings, Executive Chairman of Worldwide and Senior Operating Partner of Kohlberg, the company’s majority owner, said the transaction aligns with Worldwide’s long-term growth strategy. “Integrating Catalyst will accelerate Worldwide’s growth in oncology and expand both its customer base and global reach simultaneously. Their specialized expertise, innovative platforms, and strong relationships with emerging biotech sponsors align perfectly with our vision for building a differentiated, technology-enabled CRO. This is a strategic step toward creating a more agile and competitive organization that can meet the evolving needs of clinical research globally.”
Nik Morton said the transaction represents a significant opportunity for both organizations. “This marks an exciting new chapter for both Catalyst and Worldwide. 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,” he said. “Together, our expanded global footprint will allow us to deliver our FSP solutions to a broader set of customers. Our shared commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centric solutions will allow us to scale our impact and bring greater value to our customers and the patients they serve. Most importantly, Catalyst and Worldwide share a steadfast commitment to a people-first culture – a strategic differentiator that empowers employees to do their best work and deliver exceptional value to customers and patients.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Worldwide will acquire Catalyst for an undisclosed amount, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Both companies said they are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers, and partners.
Worldwide is a portfolio company of Kohlberg, a Mount Kisco, N.Y.-based investment firm focused on healthcare and services companies. Catalyst is backed by QHP Capital, a Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based firm that invests in life sciences and pharmaceutical services businesses.
