Clinical research organizations (known as CROs) are a subset of the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Mergers and acquisitions in this space were relatively quiet for years, but several factors are coming together to make these entities more attractive to publicly traded companies and especially private equity firms. CROs conduct rigorous clinical trials to assist manufacturers and investors in getting drugs and devices through the regulatory process at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and into various world markets. Deal announcements picked up significantly in the summer of 2013, and we covered the story to inform our subscribers of the opportunities they may be missing, and the current CRO industry landscape.
