Merger Vision advised founders on the sale of 100% shares in NEOX s.r.o., one of the largest independent central European contract research organisations, to a US-based strategic partner
- Sector
- Contract Research Organization
- Target company
- NEOX s.r.o.
- Seller
- Two brothers, company founders
- Buyer
- The Emmes Company, LLC
- Our role
- Advisory to sellers
- Transaction size
- Undisclosed
- Year
- 2020
Based in Prague, NEOX operates primarily in central and eastern Europe, with a direct presence in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The company operates in 11 European countries, including a newly established branch in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2004 by brothers Dr Pavel Marek and Petr Marek, NEOX has provided clinical research support for more than 1,000 studies and has built deep experience across multiple therapeutic areas.
Emmes, founded in 1977, is a U.S. full-service clinical research organisation (CRO). The company’s clients include numerous agencies and institutes of the U.S. federal government and a wide range of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies worldwide. Emmes operates from its two strategic business groups: Emmes BioPharma and Emmes Public Sector. Neox will be part of Emmes BioPharma, adding over 150 employees with long-term experience supporting sponsor-financed clinical studies. The acquisition will establish a direct presence in Europe for Emmes and expand its customer base and capabilities to conduct global trials at sites across the US, Canada, UK, EU, and India. Total number of employees at Emmes will grow to over 1,000 globally.
Merger Vision acted as exclusive M&A advisor to founding brothers while facing interest in NEOX from numerous parties. In a cash and share transaction with Emmes, both founders became shareholders in the U.S. parent company. At the same time, they both decided to remain with NEOX and support the group’s development in their leadership roles.