London-based contract research organization (CRO) Premier Research Group continued its acquisition spree by purchasing two more CROs. Premier Research bought ARS Inc., based in Boston, and D-TARGET SA, located in Switzerland. Premier has acquired six CROs since 2004 when it went public.

Premier expects ARS will strengthen its presence in the New England biotech market while D-Target's medical device focus will bring expanded expertise in that area to customers in both the United States and Europe. ARS also has expertise in Oracle Clinical.

The acquisition of the two companies continues the Premier’s strategy of building an international business both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

Dr. Simon Yaxley, chief executive officer of Premier Research, said, "Both firms clearly represent a further important step in our strategy of building a leading international contract research organization."

Yaxley added that both companies have strong order books. "Both also offer a number of complementary synergies to the enlarged Group and further strengthen Premier Research's position in the international CRO market," he said.