The Jackson Laboratory Acquires Charles River Laboratories Japan Research Models & Services

The Jackson Laboratory Acquires New York Stem Cell Foundation

October 22, 2025

Biotechnology

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has completed its acquisition of the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), combining JAX's genetics and preclinical modeling expertise with NYSCF's stem cell automation and high-throughput research platform. The unified nonprofit aims to create an integrated discovery platform that accelerates translational research by linking genomics, stem cell biology, and data/AI capabilities.

Charles River Laboratories Acquires Retrogenix

March 31, 2021

Biotechnology

Charles River Laboratories has acquired Retrogenix Limited, a UK-based contract research organization specializing in cell microarray technology for target receptor identification and off-target profiling. The transaction was for approximately £35 million in cash with up to an additional £5 million contingent on performance, and Retrogenix becomes part of Charles River's Discovery and Safety Assessment segment to expand large-molecule and cell therapy discovery capabilities.

Arlington Capital Partners Acquires Charles River's Avian Vaccine Services to Form AVS Bio

January 5, 2023

Biotechnology

Arlington Capital Partners has acquired Charles River Laboratories' Avian Vaccine Services business to form a standalone company, AVS Bio, serving the biologic manufacturing and bioprocessing markets. AVS Bio, headquartered in Norwich, Connecticut, supplies SPF eggs, antigens, cell products and diagnostic/manufacturing support services and has ~250 employees across 20+ facilities; Fairmount Partners advised Charles River on the sale.

Charles River Laboratories Acquires Cognate BioServices

February 17, 2021

Biotechnology

Charles River Laboratories agreed to acquire Cognate BioServices for approximately $875 million in cash, expanding Charles River's capabilities into the high-growth cell and gene therapy CDMO sector. Cognate, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee with over 500 employees, will provide Charles River integrated cell and gene therapy development, testing, and CGMP manufacturing capabilities; the deal was expected to close by end of Q1 2021.

AccelLAB Management Acquires AccelLAB from Charles River Laboratories

January 18, 2024

Medical Devices

Key members of AccelLAB's management team acquired AccelLAB from Charles River Laboratories, and the business will operate independently as a standalone preclinical CRO serving the medical device and biologics markets. Fairmount Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Charles River in the divestiture; AccelLAB employs approximately 100 staff across facilities in Boisbriand and Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada.

Charles River Laboratories Acquires Explora BioLabs

April 6, 2022

Biotechnology

Charles River Laboratories has acquired Explora BioLabs Holdings, a San Diego–based provider of contract vivarium services, for approximately $295 million in cash. The deal expands Charles River’s CRADL footprint with more than 15 additional vivarium facilities (bringing expected combined capacity to at least 25 sites and ~300,000 sq ft by end of 2022) and adds complementary preclinical vivarium management capabilities and clients.