Worldwide Clinical Trials agreed to acquire Catalyst Clinical Research, extending consolidation among private-equity-backed contract research organizations (CROs). The deal highlights continued M&A activity in the CRO sector, where scale and oncology expertise are driving buyer interest. The acquisition will fold Catalyst’s oncology capabilities into Worldwide’s global clinical services offering. Industry participants say consolidation among CROs aims to capture higher-margin specialty studies and streamline sponsor outsourcing. The transaction underscores private-equity appetites for clinical-service assets that can deliver steady contract revenue and specialized trial execution.