PRA International (PRA), a leading contract research organisation (CRO), completed its merger with ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services (RPS) and the closing of the acquisition by KKR. The combination of PRA and RPS creates the fourth largest CRO, offering an enhanced array of services and capabilities to support its clients.
Going forward, RPS will operate as PRA’s Strategic Solutions Division and the combined enterprise will be led by PRA’s CEO Colin Shannon. Former RPS CEO Harris Koffer and president Samir Shah have been named president and COO of the Strategic Solutions Division, respectively.
Colin Shannon, president and CEO of PRA said, “As we join forces with the team at RPS, this begins a new chapter for both organisations. We have a supportive long-term partner in KKR and the combination with RPS makes PRA a stronger organisation, offering our customers a more comprehensive range of services through our expanded capabilities and therapeutic expertise. As a division of PRA, the RPS Strategic Solutions Division will continue to operate as RPS has previously, which should enable a seamless integration with absolutely no disruption for our clients.”
Harris Koffer added, “We are excited about joining the PRA family and leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the combined company to deliver greater value and innovation for our clients and employees."
Since 2000, PRA has performed approximately 2,000 clinical trials in over 80 countries on behalf of over 300 clients. RPS is known throughout the industry as the pioneer of the Embedded clinical development model, with an established presence in North America and EMEA and specialized capabilities in Latin America and Asia. RPS has more than 4,000 employees located in over 64 countries. As a result of the merger, PRA will have nearly 10,000 employees with operations and resources in 80 countries across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, offering a full suite of services – both Embedded and programmatic – for its clients.
PRA is transforming clinical trials through our people, innovation and transparency. PRA provides personalized service customized to the unique requirements of each study.
KKR is a leading global investment firm with $83.5 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2013.
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