PharmaNet Development Group is expanding its presence in Latin America with the opening of a new office in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The announcement of this new office comes just weeks after the contract research organization (CRO) signed a definitive merger agreement with private equity firm JLL Partners, a $250-million deal that will make the now public company a private CRO.

PharmaNet has provided clinical trial support in Latin America since 2002 with a network of staff in Brazil, Mexico and Peru and an office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which opened in 2003.

"The number of clinical trials in Latin America has experienced significant growth over the past ten years," said Fernanda Duran, executive director, Latin American operations, in a company statement. "Our clients are more actively requesting Latin American sites in order to meet aggressive timelines for patient recruitment, thus bringing their new drugs to market sooner. I am thrilled about opening this office in Brazil which will enhance our infrastructure in the region."