Charles River Labs to buy WIL Research for $585 million in cash

Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE: CRL) on Thursday said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WIL Research for about $585 million in cash.

WIL Research is a premier provider of safety assessment and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services to biopharmaceutical and agricultural and industrial chemical companies worldwide. Acquiring WIL Research will enhance Charles River’s position as a leading global early-stage contract research organization (CRO) by strengthening its ability to partner with global clients across the drug discovery and development continuum.

James Foster, chief executive of Charles River Laboratories, said: “In addition to meeting our disciplined acquisition criteria, WIL Research is an exceptional strategic fit for Charles River because it incorporates the key attributes we require in an acquisition: high-quality services, scientific expertise, complementary capabilities, and access to growing end markets. The acquisition will also expand our geographic footprint, particularly in continental Europe, providing needed capacity to meet current and future demand and enabling Charles River to provide a broader range of services proximate to our global clients.”