UK-based contract research organization (CRO) Chiltern International continued its global expansion efforts with the acquisition of Vigiun, a CRO in São Paulo, Brazil, for an undisclosed amount.

Chiltern began operating in Latin America a year ago in Argentina, but the Vigiun deal will strengthen the company’s presence in the region, said John Vann, Chiltern’s executive vice president, Americas. Chiltern now has offices in Brazil, Argentina, India, the UK and the United States.

Founded in 1999 by Eduardo Forleo, M.D., and Elisa Halker, Vigiun specializes in infectious disease, oncology and respiratory. Forleo will stay on as Chiltern’s country manager for Brazil and medical director for Latin America. Halker will serve as director of clinical operations for Brazil.

“This is an exciting time to become a part of Chiltern. Our business has grown to the point that it makes sense to join forces with a global CRO whose mission and values align with ours. I look forward to contributing in very positive ways to the company’s ongoing and future success,” Forleo said in a company statement.