Charles River Labs Acquires CRO

On August 7, 2017, Charles River Labs announced that it has acquired Brains On-Line, a contract research organization (CRO) that provides data used to advance therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. With operations in San Francisco, the Netherlands, and Germany, Brains On-Line uses in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetics testing to provide data necessary to advance potential CNS therapies through the development process.

“The addition of Brains On-Line strategically expands Charles River’s existing CNS capabilities and establishes Charles River as the premier single-source provider for a broad portfolio of discovery CNS services,” said James Foster, CEO, president and chairman, in a company press release. “In addition to enhancing our ability to support clients’ early-stage drug research in this critical therapeutic area, Brains On-Line expands our geographic footprint. This increases the opportunity for clients to work side-by-side with Charles River’s scientists, both in Europe and in the South San Francisco research hub.”

Purchased for approximately EUR 18 million (US$21 million), the transaction is subject to certain post-closing adjustments and includes possible additional payments of up to EUR 6.7 million (US$8 million) based on future performance.