Ockham, a leading, global full-service contract research organization (CRO) with a focus in oncology, has completed the acquisition of Nexus Oncology. The transaction also provides Ockham with an institutional investment partner.

The combined company will operate under the name Ockham and will be led by Ockham’s Chief Executive Officer, James V. Baker, and a joint Ockham and Nexus management team. Nexus Oncology will be known as Nexus Oncology, an Ockham company. Clare Wareing, founder of Nexus, will continue with the new organization serving as Chief Scientific Officer. In addition, the company’s board of directors will have representatives from both the existing Ockham and Nexus boards.

With the addition of Nexus, Ockham now employs approximately 300 employees across 12 countries, placing it among top-tier niche CROs worldwide. This merger offers an enhanced global scale, a depth of oncology-specific therapeutic expertise and new levels of operational excellence. The new organization is more strongly positioned to deliver oncologic clinical trials of all sizes across the drug development spectrum.

Upon completion of the merger, Mr. Baker said, “Nexus is a first-class organization that has a history of providing excellent service in oncology clinical trials throughout the world. The experience of the Nexus clinical team and their leadership will help the newly enlarged company to expand our services and be a force in getting lifesaving oncologic drugs to market more efficiently. Ockham is excited to have Nexus as part of our family as we move forward in our quest to be the number one global oncology and specialty services CRO in the world.”

Nexus Oncology’s founder, Clare Wareing added, “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this new organization. This transaction enables us to realize a long-held ambition of being a global full-service oncology CRO with a larger geographic footprint and a wider and deeper service offering.”

Above all, this merger allows clients to draw easily on the expertise of two organizations that share a common culture and vision focused on high quality services, scientific innovation, and ground-breaking research capabilities.

Date: February 14, 2012
Source: Ockham