Montreal's JSS Medical Research has acquired competitor Integrated Research Inc., completing a deal the CRO says makes it the largest Canadian-owned contract researcher.
JSS is keeping the financial terms of the deal to itself, but the Quebec-headquartered ISI will keep its name and organization, working from now on as a division of the mid-sized JSS.
In its 20-plus years in business, IRI has expanded to cover Phase II-IV trials across numerous therapeutic areas, with a client roster that includes the world's 20 largest pharma outfits, the company said. For the fast-growing JSS, absorbing IRI's late-stage expertise will help the CRO carve out a niche and compete for partnerships in an industry increasingly dominated by large research organizations, CEO John Sampalis said.
"The merger of JSS and IRI creates a robust and stable Canadian-based-and-owned CRO that has the critical mass, expertise and, most importantly, experienced senior management that will offer highest quality services covering all of the scientific and operational aspects of clinical research," Sampalis said in a statement. "Now a local CRO will be able to provide the same services as the large multinationals, while maintaining the intimate client relationships that have contributed to our longevity and client loyalty over the last 20 years."
The deal follows JSS's September acquisition of LatAm Clinical Trials, a Colombian-headquartered CRO that allowed the Canadian company to expand into Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
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