ILIFE Joins Forces with Comac Medical Group in Strategic CRO Expansion
Deal News | May 22, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision EdgeCap Partners
Comac Medical Group, backed by EdgeCap Partners, has announced its acquisition of ILIFE Consulting, a French Contract Research Organization. This strategic move aims to bolster Comac's presence across Europe and enhances its portfolio in oncology and early-phase biotech clinical trials. ILIFE, renowned for its high-value strategic consulting and expertise in complex biotech trials, complements Comac's expanding services, offering enhanced capabilities in biostatistics, data management, and pharmacovigilance. The acquisition further aligns with Comac's vision to become a leading pan-European full-service CRO. ILIFE's founder, Marina Iché, will remain in leadership, supporting strategic growth and maintaining continuity in service delivery. Comac recently announced leadership appointments, enhancing their international expansion strategy.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Headquarters of Comac Medical Group, which is expanding its pan-European service offerings.
- France – Headquarters of ILIFE Consulting, now acquired by Comac Medical Group.
- Europe – Comac Medical Group is striving to establish a significant footprint across Europe, and ILIFE Consulting's acquisition supports this strategy.
Industry
- Biotechnology – Involves the application of biological systems or living organisms to create or modify products and processes for specific use. Relevant here as Comac Medical and ILIFE Consulting are involved in clinical trials for biotech companies.
- Contract Research Organizations (CROs) – Companies that provide clinical trial and other research support services for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Both Comac Medical Group and ILIFE Consulting operate as CROs in this sector.
- Private Equity – Investment funds, typically organized as limited partnerships, buy and restructure companies that are not publicly traded. EdgeCap Partners, a private equity firm, is investing in Comac Medical Group.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comac Medical Group | Acquirer | Company | A leading pan-European full-service CRO platform based in the UK, supported by EdgeCap Partners. |
| ILIFE Consulting | Target | Company | A Paris-based specialized CRO focused on early-phase oncology and biotech development, founded by Marina Iché. |
| EdgeCap Partners | Investor | Company | A London- and Tallinn-based private equity firm that supports Comac Medical Group in this acquisition. |
| Marina Iché | CEO and Founder of ILIFE Consulting | Person | Will continue her leadership role within Comac Medical Group and will become a significant shareholder. |
| Chris Smyth | Incoming CEO of Comac Medical Group | Person | Newly appointed CEO who will begin his tenure on September 1, 2025. |