International law firm Simmons & Simmons has advised private equity house Kester Capital on the acquisition of global clinical research organisation (CRO) EMAS Pharma.
Kester, a leading UK private equity investor focused on the life sciences and technology sectors, will acquire EMAS for an undisclosed fee, together with an incoming senior management team.
For over 25 years, EMAS Pharma has provided clinical trial services to biotech and pharmaceutical companies globally, gaining market-leading expertise in oncology, rare diseases, inflammation, immunology, and microbiome therapeutics.
The investment from Kester and the incoming executive team will enable EMAS Pharma to strengthen its service capabilities, technology base and presence in global markets.
Simmons advised Kester on the acquisition, with a team led by private equity partner Tim Hewens.
The deal follows Kester's buy-out of The Boundary in July this year, on which Simmons also advised the private equity firm.
Tim Hewens commented: "This is a significant acquisition for the market and one which we were proud to help Kester with. Our role advising on the deal brought together both Simmons' private equity expertise with our experience operating in the health and life sciences (HLS) sector. We look forward to seeing EMAS Pharma develop further in the years ahead as an independent business under Kester's stewardship."
