Czura Thornton acquires Chiltern International

Private investment group Czura Thornton has acquired UK-based Chiltern International, a leading independent clinical contract research organization (CRO), for an undisclosed sum. Czura Thornton has acquired more than 90% of Chiltern, and expects to acquire the remainder 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 US and Europe and in India, with headquarters in Slough, UK, and Carlsbad, California.

Chiltern provides clinical operations, project management, bioanalytical, data management, biostatistics, medical writing, quality assurance and regulatory and medical affairs services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. It also offers clinical contract personnel services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients, and includes many of the world's leading healthcare companies among its clients.

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. A new, as yet unnamed, ceo has been appointed to replace Simon Garnham, co-founder of Chiltern, who steps down with immediate effect. In the meantime Nick Thornton, who becomes executive vice chairman, will also act as ceo.

"We have long admired Chiltern's reputation in the industry for providing a comprehensive range of high quality products and excellent customer service," said Thornton. "We look forward to bringing the investment and resources needed for the next phase of the company's growth."