LONDON, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Czura Thornton Limited today announced the acquisition of Chiltern International, one of the world's leading independent clinical Contract Research Organisations, for an undisclosed sum. Czura Thornton, a private investment group led by Antony Czura and Nick Thornton, has acquired more than 90% of Chiltern, with the remainder expected to be acquired over the next few weeks.
Established in the UK in 1982, Chiltern has extensive experience in running national and international Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials across a broad range of therapeutic categories. The Company has offices throughout the United States and Europe and in India, with headquarters in Slough, UK, and Carlsbad, CA.
Chiltern provides Clinical Operations, Project Management, Bio-analytical, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Writing, Quality Assurance and Regulatory and Medical Affairs services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The Company also offers clinical contract personnel services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. Its clients include many of the world's leading healthcare companies.
Czura Thornton has extensive experience in international business and particularly in the CRO industry, and access to funds to invest in the continued growth of Chiltern as a leading provider of clinical services.
Simon Garnham, co-founder of Chiltern, will step down as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. A new Chief Executive has been appointed and details will be announced shortly. In the meantime Nick Thornton, who becomes Executive Vice Chairman, will also act as Chief Executive. Roland Boyd has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, also with immediate effect.
"We have long admired Chiltern's reputation in the industry for providing a comprehensive range of high quality products and excellent customer service," said Nick Thornton. "We look forward to bringing the investment and resources needed for the next phase of the Company's growth as a leading, global, full service clinical CRO. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the customers and employees of Chiltern, with no impact in the day to day operation of the business anticipated as a result of this change in ownership."
Simon Garnham commented: "My family is delighted to have found a buyer that understands our business so well and is committed to maintaining our high quality service offering and to our most important resource, our people, who have worked so hard for Chiltern's success. We look forward to seeing Chiltern's continued growth and would like to thank all our staff, suppliers and customers for their support over many years."
About Chiltern International
Established in the UK in 1982, Chiltern is one of the largest independent contract research organizations in the world and has extensive experience of running international Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials across a broad therapeutic range with a wide variety of clients. Chiltern employs more than 750 people worldwide, with locations in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, India, South Africa and across the US. Chiltern provides Clinical Operations, Project Management, Bio-analytical, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Writing, Quality Assurance and Regulatory and Medical Affairs services as well as clinical contract personnel services.
About Czura Thornton
Czura Thornton is a private investment group founded by Tony Czura and Nick Thornton, who have extensive experience in international business and contract research. Czura Thornton's acquisition of Chiltern International is made as General Partner for the Galaxy Limited Partnership. Czura Thornton's other investments to date include medical diagnostic laboratories and commercial search directories and services.
Czura Thornton LimitedCONTACT: UK and Europe - Nick Thornton, Czura Thornton,+44-(0)1753-216-622; North America - Financial Dynamics, East Coast -Jonathan Birt, +1-212-850-5634 or West Coast - Matt Dallas, +1-415-439-4502
