Alison Gilson

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.

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. She said: “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.”