SHOOSMITHS corporate legal team in Scotland has recently (October 2023) acted for Certara USA Inc. in its acquisition of Formedix Limited, a Glasgow based company, which within the biotech sector provides a clinical metadata repository and clinical trial automation software.
The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, expands US-based Certara’s global footprint in the fast-growing biotech market. Certara has more than 2,300 clients across 70 countries, including biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and regulatory agencies.
Formedix, founded in Glasgow by Mark Wheeldon (CEO) in 2000, is a specialist developer of clinical metadata repository (MDR) and study automation software. It enables the rapid set-up of clinical trials in compliance with CDISC standards. Formedix has been working with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic institutions for the past 20 years, helping to standardise and automate clinical study build. It currently listsThe University of Alabama, The University of Utah and Moderna among the many organisations using its services.
The deal now means that Certara and Formedix offer businesses one provider that can automate clinical data flow from collection through submission, resulting in faster cycle times from study setup to database lock and production of the final clinical study report.
Shoosmiths advised on the deal alongside US legal counsel. The corporate team in Scotland (including Kimberley Goh and Alice Gray) advised on all corporate aspects, with specialist colleagues advising on share schemes, employment, pensions, intellectual property, real estate and tax.
The deal was led by Alison Gilson, corporate partner and head of Shoosmiths’ corporate team in Scotland. Alison, who is shortlisted in the Corporate Lawyer of the Year category at the forthcoming Legal 500 Scotland Awards (#L500 Awards), commented: “Our team was very pleased to act for Certara USA Inc. on its acquisition of Glasgow based Formedix Ltd. It’s a deal that underlines Shoosmiths’ growing reputation in Scotland for advising on international mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the tech space.”
