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Henko will support the international expansion of BioClever, a leading Spanish provider of Contract Research Organisation ("CRO") services.
Barcelona, 28 July 2022. - Henko Capital Partners, a Spanish private equity firm, has invested in BioClever with the objective of boosting its international growth, positioning it as a reference partner in comprehensive clinical trial and study management services.
BioClever, founded in Barcelona in 2005, is one of Spain's leading independent providers of Contract Research Organisation ("CRO") services. BioClever offers a comprehensive service in clinical trials and studies, from project design to publication of results. The company has a portfolio of more than 60 top-tier clients, including some of the leading global pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, biotechs and some of the leading groups in the Spanish pharmaceutical industry.
The CRO sector has shown a sustained growth trend in recent years, derived both from a solid evolution in R&D investment for drug development and from a greater need for outsourcing clinical trials, due to the high complexity of these trials and the flexibility needs of clients. In addition, BioClever has relevant credentials in the field of medical devices, which will be a growth vector for CROs in the coming years as a result of the new European regulations in this field.
In addition to supporting BioClever's organic growth trend, the aim of the joint project is to boost growth in international markets. There is an opportunity for CROs with strong capabilities in the main European geographies which, combined with the proximity and flexibility with the client offered by local CROs, constitute a differential service proposal.
The founders and current management team of BioClever will continue to lead the company. The objective of Henko's entry into the shareholding is to contribute its operational capabilities, as well as financial resources, to accelerate the execution of the business plan in order to provide a better service to customers.
Jordi Cantoni, CEO of BioClever, considers that "Henko's investment in BioClever will allow us to access other markets and projects, with the capacity to invest in other companies that complement us, both geographically and in terms of services". According to Mireia Bonet, co-founder, "Henko's operational support will also help us to lay the foundations in the organisation for stable growth, which will allow us to grow quickly without losing focus on our customers".
Lars Becker, partner at Henko, adds: "We are convinced that the pharmaceutical sector will continue to grow in the coming years and that CROs will be key in this respect. BioClever is well positioned to support its clients in the highly complex technical and regulatory environment of clinical trials, with a team with extensive experience in various phases and therapeutic areas. We are very pleased to support the BioClever team, led by Jordi and Mireia, to capture the opportunities that will arise in the coming years".
The transaction was advised by dwf-RCD and Ineo Corporate, as legal and financial advisors to the founders of BioClever, and by Bird & Bird and Russell Bedford, as legal and financial advisors to Henko.
About BioClever:
BioClever is a national CRO offering a global research service, from project design to publication of results. Services cover design, execution, monitoring and personalised management of clinical trials and observational studies. Based in Barcelona, and founded in 2005 by Jordi Cantoni and Mireia Bonet, BioClever has a portfolio of first-rate clients and credentials and publications in clinical research of reference in Spain in recent years.
About Henko Capital Partners:
Henko Partners is an independent private equity firm focused on supporting Spanish and Portuguese SMEs in markets with long-term growth trends. The strategy is to work with entrepreneurs and management teams to develop high potential businesses. In partnership with companies, the firm drives strategic initiatives and practical operational improvements. As entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the firm supports companies to accelerate their growth and transform themselves into more resilient and sustainable businesses. Our team has extensive investment experience and a strong execution track record with over 30 closed transactions in business services, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications and healthcare. Henko Partners is a responsible investor committed to strict environmental, social and governance principles.
