FairJourney Biologics Acquires Charles River Laboratories' South San Francisco Facility

Partners Group Acquires Majority Stake in FairJourney Biologics from GHO Capital

July 1, 2024

Biotechnology

Partners Group has acquired a majority stake in FairJourney Biologics from GHO Capital; GHO will reinvest as a minority investor and founder António Parada remains invested. The transaction will further capitalise FairJourney to expand its antibody discovery and development capabilities, scientific leadership and global footprint.

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.

Discovery Life Sciences Acquires ReachBio Research Labs

April 11, 2023

Biotechnology

Discovery Life Sciences has acquired Seattle-based ReachBio Research Labs to expand its cell biology, toxicology and drug screening capabilities. The acquisition strengthens Discovery's preclinical development and multi-omics service offering, enabling customers to access a broader set of predictive cell-based assays for hematologic diseases, immunology, oncology and cell & gene therapy programs.

Charles River Laboratories Acquires Vigene Biosciences

May 17, 2021

Biotechnology

Charles River Laboratories agreed to acquire Vigene Biosciences, a Rockville, Maryland-based gene therapy CDMO, for $292.5 million in cash plus up to $57.5 million in contingent payments. The acquisition expands Charles River's cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing capabilities—adding CGMP viral vector and plasmid DNA production—and is expected to close in early Q3 2021.