Worldwide Clinical Trials agreed to acquire UK-based Catalyst Clinical Research to bolster early‑phase oncology capabilities and add functional service provider (FSP) offerings. The buyer, Kohlberg‑backed Worldwide, will integrate Catalyst’s specialist cancer expertise and FSP model into its portfolio; Catalyst chairman Nick Dyer will join Worldwide’s board and CEO Nik Morton will join the executive team. Axios reported a $500 million price tag; the deal is expected to close this quarter. The transaction marks Worldwide’s first acquisition since Kohlberg’s 2023 takeover and positions the CRO to offer more flexible full‑service, FSP and hybrid resourcing to drug developers running early oncology trials.