Worldwide Clinical Trials agreed to acquire Catalyst Clinical Research in a deal that continues private‑equity‑backed consolidation among contract research organizations (CROs). The acquisition adds oncology expertise to Worldwide’s capabilities and follows a string of deals tying specialized CROs into larger, PE‑backed portfolios. The transaction underscores sponsors’ preference for integrated trial services and scale in oncology development, and it signals continued M&A interest from financial sponsors in CROs with niche expertise.