28/07/2022
Henko Partners invests in BioClever to launch an international consolidation project in the CRO market
Henko will support the international expansion of BioClever, a leading spanish provider of Contract Research Organization ("CRO") services
Barcelona, July 28th 2022. – Henko Capital Partners, Spanish private equity firm, has invested in BioClever to drive its international growth. Henko seeks to position BioClever as a comprehensive partner for clinical trials and research.
BioClever is one of the leading independent providers of Contract Research Organization (“CRO”) services in Spain. The Barcelona-based company offers comprehensive support in clinical research, from study design to the publication of results. BioClever has a portfolio of over 60 blue-chip clients, including top global pharma companies, manufacturer of medical devices, biotech companies and some of the leading Spanish pharma companies.
The CRO sector shows a continued growth trend due to strong R&D investment to develop new drugs, an increasing complexity of clinical research and the need for more flexibility. These factors are fostering demand for outsourcing in clinical research. BioClever also has relevant credentials in the field of medical devices, a relevant growth vector for CROs in the coming years due to new European regulations.
Alongside supporting its national growth plans, Henko aims to grow with BioClever in international markets as well. BioClever and Henko see an opportunity to combine the flexible and collaborative approach of local CROs with execution capabilities across main European markets.
The founders and current management team of BioClever will continue to lead the company. Henko will provide operating support, alongside capital to accelerate the business plan and be able to provide a better service to the clients.
Jordi Cantoni, general manager of BioClever, comments that “Henko’s investment will allow us to access other markets and new projects. We will also have resources to acquire complementary businesses, both from geographical and service portfolio perspectives”. According to Mireia Bonet, co-founder, “Henko’s operational support will help us establish solid foundations for future growth, maintaining a strong focus in the client”.
Lars Becker, partner at Henko, adds: “We are convinced that the pharma sector will continue to show healthy growth rates and that CROs will continue to play an important role. BioClever is well positioned to accompany their clients in a context of high regulatory and technical complexity. The team has experience in the different phases of clinical trials and deep expertise in several therapeutic areas. We are delighted to support BioClever’s team, led by Jordi and Mireia, to capture new opportunities”.
The transaction has been advised by dwf-RCD and Ineo Corporate, as legal and financial advisors to the founders, and Bird & Bird and Russell Bedford, as legal and financial advisors to Henko.
About BioClever:
BioClever is a Spanish CRO that offers comprehensive support in clinical research, from study design to publication of results. BioCleves designs, conducts, monitors, and manages clinical trials and observational studies. The company is based in Barcelona and was founded in 2005 by Jordi Cantoni and Mireia Bonet. BioClever has a wide portfolio of blue-chip clients and credentials and publications of reference in Spain in recent years.
About Henko Capital Partners:
Henko Capital Partners is an independent private equity investor focused on supporting outstanding Spanish and Portuguese mid-cap companies in markets with long-term growth trends. The firm partners with strong entrepreneurs and management teams to develop successful businesses and actively engages with its portfolio companies to execute long-term growth plans. As entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Henko aims to support companies to accelerate growth and transform into more resilient and sustainable businesses. The team has over 25 years of investment experience and a strong execution track-record with over 30 closed transactions. Henko is a responsible investor committed to strict environmental, social, and good governance principles. We aim to contribute to the long-term success of our investors and to a sustainable society.
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