William Blair Announces Sale of Premier Research Group

William Blair International announces the success of its client, Premier Research Group plc., in connection with its sale to ECI Partners for a total consideration of £100 million. William Blair International served as financial advisor to the management of Premier Research for the transaction, which represents the first public-to-private transaction in the United Kingdom in 2008 and William Blair International's second transaction with Premier Research.

In a recent press release, Dr. Simon Yaxley, chief executive officer of Premier Research Group, said, "This event ensures that we are able to continue our thoughtful and measured 'buy-and-build' strategy to allow us to continue to deliver exceptional quality and service to our clients around the world."

Based in Berkshire, United Kingdom, Premier Research is a full service, global contract research organization providing clinical research and development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Through its 17 operating facilities throughout Western, Central, and Eastern Europe and 11 in the United States, the company focuses on supporting the conduct of clinical trials, which it does by providing such services as Phase Ib - IV clinical trial management, clinical data management, study design, and drug-development services.

ECI is one of the longest-established private-equity groups in the United Kingdom, specializing in buyouts, buy-ins, and development capital deals valued between £10 and £150 million. ECI has financed more than 250 companies over the last two decades, and has a team with a wealth of experience that it puts to use in helping build these businesses.