Kohlberg & Company's portfolio company Worldwide Clinical Trials is acquiring Catalyst Clinical Research, a specialized oncology contract research organization based in Wilmington, North Carolina. The target is backed by QHP Capital. This move consolidates two players in the contract research space, a sector seeing increased M&A activity as sponsors seek integrated clinical trial services.

The deal brings together two CROs with distinct focuses. Worldwide Clinical Trials, a Kohlberg investment since 2017, offers broad clinical development services. Catalyst's expertise in oncology trials addresses a high-demand therapeutic area. For Kohlberg, the acquisition strengthens its portfolio in the growing life sciences services market, which has attracted significant private equity interest.

Financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory approvals. Investors will watch for integration plans and how the combined entity competes with larger, full-service CROs. The deal highlights ongoing consolidation in the contract research industry as firms scale to meet complex trial demands.