Chiltern acquires Ockham to help lift status
pharmafile | July 16, 2014 | News story | Manufacturing and Production | CRO, chiltern, contract research, fsp, ockham
Chiltern has today acquired a full stake in fellow contract research organisation Ockham as both companies look to merge their operations.
The combined company will be called simply ‘Chiltern’, whilst Ockham’s senior team will join the management of the enlarged group.
Chiltern’s chief executive Jim Esinhart will become the new boss of the Chiltern Group, with Ockham’s chief executive James Baker becoming chief development officer. Nick Thornton will remain as chairman.
This complementary transaction aims to strengthen the combined service offerings in three strategic areas, namely:
· Oncology specialisation with a focus across all clinical phases of development (known as Chiltern Oncology)
· Biopharmaceutical services, including respiratory, ophthalmology, infectious disease, vaccines and dermatology (known as Chiltern Biopharmaceutics)
· Global Functional Service Provider (FSP)/sourcing provision specialising in tailored resourcing solutions across clinical, regulatory, medical and biometrics (known as Chiltern Source).
Esinhart says: “This merger is a natural progression towards our strategic goal of becoming the premier specialised mid-tier CRO. Throughout this process I have been extremely impressed by the skill and professionalism of Ockham’s employees, the quality services they deliver, and the vision of the leadership team.
“There is a perfect strategic fit between our companies and I’m excited to work with the entire Ockham team to ensure a seamless continuation in the delivery of high quality services to all of the combined company’s clients.”
Baker adds: “In Ockham’s continuing progression toward building the top niche oncology CRO, our joining with Chiltern has been an easy choice, allowing us to leverage Chiltern’s global reach and highly developed staffing business in Europe, both of which are complementary to Ockham’s deep oncology expertise and source business in the US.
“We are fortunate to have found the ideal partner with a complete understanding and commitment to the unique needs of our emerging biotech clientele.”
Ben Adams
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