Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of WIL Research for approximately $585 million in cash, subject to certain customary adjustments.

WIL Research is a premier provider of safety assessment and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services to biopharmaceutical and agricultural and industrial chemical companies worldwide. Acquiring WIL Research enhances Charles River’s position as a leading global early-stage contract research organization (CRO) by strengthening its ability to partner with global clients across the drug discovery and development continuum.

James C. Foster, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Laboratories, commented, “We are pleased to welcome the exceptional team at WIL Research to the Charles River family. WIL reinforces our scientific leadership, adding a wealth of talent with deep expertise in specialty areas. Our combined capabilities and larger infrastructure will enhance our ability to support our clients’ complex drug research and development needs, enabling them to make critical go/no-go decisions faster and with greater certainty. The acquisition of WIL Research is a key element of our continued ability to support our clients’ early-stage drug research efforts, to achieve our long-term growth goals, and to enhance shareholder value.”

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