Worldwide Clinical Trials to acquire Catalyst Clinical Research

Two North Carolina-based contract research organizations (CROs) are joining forces to provide expanded clinical trial services in oncology.

Worldwide Clinical Trials, a full-service, global CRO headquartered in Research Triangle Park, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wilmington-based Catalyst Clinical Research, a global CRO with expertise in cancer.

“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. “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 will acquire Catalyst for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for both Catalyst and Worldwide,” said Nik Morton, president and chief executive officer of Catalyst. “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.”

As part of the acquisition, Morton will join Worldwide’s executive leadership team, and Nick Dyer, chairman of the board of Catalyst, will join Worldwide’s board of directors.

The two companies said their strategic combination would create immediate value for customers by establishing Worldwide as a leading oncology-focused CRO, while maintaining depth across multiple therapeutic areas and strengthening its footprint and scale to deliver larger global trials.

Matt Jennings, executive chairman of Worldwide and senior operating partner of the private equity firm Kohlberg, the majority owner of the company, said, “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.”

Worldwide, founded in 1986, has over 3,500 employees working in more than 60 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Its capabilities include bioanalytical laboratory services, Phase I-IV clinical trials, and post-approval and real-world evidence studies. Worldwide is therapeutically focused on neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and cardiometabolic and inflammatory disease.

Catalyst, founded in 2013, has more than 1,000 staff and several offices in the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. It is owned by QHP Capital, a health care and life sciences private equity firm based in Research Triangle Park.