INC Research CEO reflects on Kendle acquisition

INC Research CEO James Ogle tells Outsourcing-pharma.com that the acquisition of fellow CRO Kendle was about building a presence in emerging trial hotspots and pharmaceutical markets.

The $232m (€165m) acquisition of Kendle earlier this month gives INC a presence in Latin America and Asia, broadens its therapeutic reach and provides an expanded customer base according to Ogle.

The key thing here is we are looking at ‘Where is drug development going?’ And, I think the most important thing is that our customers are looking at developing drugs in areas where the ultimately hope to sell them.”

Ogle also set out INC’s integrations strategy, explaining that the policy is to look for the best person for a particular role “regardless of what legacy part of the business they come from.”

He also spoke about the firm’s track record of acquisitions – MDS Pharma Services late-stage unit and Trident – and said that while no further takeovers are planned if the correct opportunity arises INC will consider further deals.