Kester Capital backs EMAS Pharma in strategic acquisition deal
Deal News | Dec 09, 2024 | Globenewswire
Kester Capital, a prominent UK-based private equity firm with a focus on life sciences and technology sectors, has acquired EMAS Pharma, the clinical development division of Bionical Emas. EMAS Pharma has established itself as a leading global Clinical Research Organisation (CRO), providing clinical trial services to biotech and pharmaceutical companies worldwide for over 25 years. The acquisition places EMAS Pharma as an independent entity with an experienced management team including Richard Barfield as Non-Executive Chair, Lewis Cameron as CEO, Roy Ovel as CCO, and Carl Hvass as CFO. The new leadership team, with backing from Kester Capital, aims to position EMAS Pharma for rapid growth through organic means and strategic acquisitions, enhancing its service capabilities, technological infrastructure, and expanding its global market presence.
Sectors
- Life Sciences
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Both Kester Capital and EMAS Pharma, the target in this transaction, are headquartered in the UK, making it the central geographic focus.
- Global – EMAS Pharma provides clinical research services to international clients and plans to expand its global presence post-acquisition.
Industry
- Life Sciences – The article is centered around EMAS Pharma, which operates within the life sciences sector offering specialized clinical research services for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
- Private Equity – Kester Capital's involvement as the financial backer in the acquisition of EMAS Pharma highlights the role of private equity in the transaction and future strategic plans.
Financials
- Undisclosed – The purchase price for the acquisition of EMAS Pharma by Kester Capital is not disclosed in the article.
- 63 billion USD – Estimated value of the global CRO services market in 2023.
- 9% – The estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the global CRO services market from 2024 to 2032.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kester Capital | Bidding Company | Company | A UK-based private equity firm specializing in investments in life sciences and technology sectors. |
| EMAS Pharma | Target Company | Company | A specialized global CRO offering clinical research services across various therapeutic areas. |
| Bionical Emas | Selling Company | Company | A provider of Early Access Programs and Clinical Trial Supply services, selling its clinical development division, EMAS Pharma. |
| Richard Barfield | Non-Executive Chair | Person | Non-Executive Chair of EMAS Pharma with extensive experience in the CRO industry. |
| Lewis Cameron | Chief Executive Officer | Person | CEO of EMAS Pharma with a strong background in global pharmaceutical services and CRO management. |
| Roy Ovel | Chief Commercial Officer | Person | CCO of EMAS Pharma with over 30 years of experience in international business development in the CRO sector. |
| Carl Hvass | Chief Financial Officer | Person | CFO of EMAS Pharma with extensive finance experience, particularly within the CRO industry. |
| Tom Watson | CEO of Bionical Emas | Person | CEO of Bionical Emas who comments on the divestment of EMAS Pharma. |