inVentiv Health, a global professional services organization designed to help the biopharmaceutical industry accelerate the delivery of much-needed therapies to market, announced that Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, has joined Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) as an equal equity owner of inVentiv Health.

Through this agreement, Advent International has agreed to make a material equity investment in inVentiv Health, valuing the company at $3.8 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis subject to customary adjustments. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.

inVentiv Health provides comprehensive and integrated clinical and commercial outsourcing services to the biopharmaceutical industry. The company’s unique CRO and contract commercial organization business model helps clients improve performance and expedite the delivery of innovative products. The inVentiv Health client portfolio includes all 20 of the largest global biopharmaceutical companies. The company has helped to develop or commercialize 80% of all new drugs approved by the FDA and 70% approved by the EMA over the last five years. Under THL’s ownership, inVentiv Health more than doubled both revenue and adjusted EBITDA to $2.2 billion and $343 million, respectively.

“We’re pleased to have two preeminent private equity firms—THL and Advent—backing our unique biopharma outsourcing model,” said Michael Bell, chairman and chief executive officer of inVentiv Health. “It’s a $250 billion market with tremendous potential. With THL’s strategic support we have realized significant growth over the last several years. We’re looking forward to adding Advent’s investment, operational and healthcare sector expertise. This will allow us to realize our full potential so we can better serve the biopharmaceutical industry in navigating an increasingly complex scientific and regulatory environment.”

"inVentiv Health has become a leader in its chosen markets and we are excited to partner with THL and with inVentiv Health’s world-class management team at this point in the company’s evolution. We look forward to helping accelerate inVentiv Health's growth across its client offerings," said John Maldonado, a managing director at Advent. "We have long viewed the large and growing pharmaceutical outsourcing industry as one of the most attractive segments in healthcare. inVentiv Health is transforming into a global, full-service professional services organization that is uniquely positioned to serve its clients’ variety of needs and we believe that the company’s expertise, combined with our operational resources and THL's continued involvement, will enable inVentiv Health's continued success moving forward.”

This investment is consistent with Advent’s strategy of investing in healthcare companies with strong growth potential to create value for its stakeholders. Advent has a long track record of investing in the healthcare sector, completing more than 35 investments in 14 countries in the last 26 years.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with inVentiv Health,” said Joshua Nelson, managing director of THL. “Since our investment, inVentiv Health has shown tremendous growth in both its clinical and commercial businesses, and today’s announcement is a testament to the potential THL and Advent see in the years ahead. We are excited to welcome Advent to this continuing partnership as we work with the tremendously talented management team and employees at inVentiv Health to further grow the business and deliver for its customers.”

As a result of signing the transaction, inVentiv Group Holdings, the indirect parent company of inVentiv Health, does not plan to pursue an initial public offering of its common stock at this time.