Finland-based CRO Encorium Group and Venn Life Sciences, a provider of development consulting and resourcing services based in Dublin, Ireland, have agreed to merge.

The combined operation will be named Venn Life Sciences Limited, will be headquartered in Ireland and will have over 200 employees operating from over 20 locations worldwide.

The management team and board of the combined entity will be comprised of existing management of both companies. Leading the management team will be Sean Leech, Venn’s current CEO. The board will be led by Dr. Kai Lindevall, Encoriums’ current CEO.

“Our combined management, operational and project teams have many years of clinical and consulting experience in the various forms of clinical development models. This variation of experience will be a critical component to future success in the clinical outsourcing arena,” said Tony Richardson, executive chairman of Venn.

“I am pleased that the months of planning have yielded a successful outcome and one that will ensure continuity of business for our clients and employees,” said Dr. Lindevall.