Parexel International, a global biopharmaceutical services organization, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding equity securities of Health Advances, an independent life sciences strategy consulting firm. Health Advances combines clinical, scientific and business expertise to provide strategic advice to executives leading life sciences companies and investors.

The acquisition is expected to close in February, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions including expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Established in 1992, Health Advances employs approximately 120 scientists, clinicians and business professionals in three main offices—two in the U.S. and one in Europe. It works with more than half of the top 25 biopharmaceutical companies; leading medical device, diagnostics and health information technology companies; and healthcare investors and service businesses. Health Advances offers specialized services such as portfolio planning, product positioning, market assessment and forecasting, strategic and business planning, as well as advising on partnering and acquisitions.

Josef von Rickenbach, chairman and CEO, Parexel, said, “Health Advances will expand and strengthen our capabilities to meet the growing market demand for strategic portfolio- and product-level commercialization consulting. Clients will be able to engage with a single, global provider to fulfill all of their commercialization strategy and execution needs.”

“We are thrilled to be part of Parexel and offer clients a global presence, a larger range of services, and increased expertise in product and portfolio development. Together, we can maximize the value of our clients’ product and service portfolios,” added Mark Speers and Paula Ness Speers, co-founders of Health Advances.