IQVIA Holdings Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire Charles River Laboratories International’s European discovery services assets, including five in‑vitro drug‑discovery sites that specialize in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and a small‑molecule artificial‑intelligence platform. The deal, valued at roughly $145 million in cash with a potential earn‑out of up to $10 million, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 and will broaden IQVIA’s geographic reach and early‑stage discovery capabilities.
The acquired sites have a track record of contributing to more than 100 molecules that entered clinical trials and several commercially approved drugs. By adding these assets, IQVIA will strengthen its end‑to‑end drug‑discovery platform, positioning the company to win larger, integrated contracts with pharmaceutical clients and to accelerate the transition of discovery programs into clinical development.
Charles River Laboratories is divesting its CDMO and Cell Solutions businesses to GI Partners, a move that will reduce its 2025 revenue by $143 million but is intended to sharpen focus on core services and improve operating margins. The sale of the discovery assets to IQVIA generated $144 million in 2025 revenue for Charles River, underscoring the strategic value of the divestiture to both parties.
IQVIA’s fourth‑quarter 2025 results showed revenue of $4,364 million, up 10.3% year‑over‑year, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.42, a $0.02 beat over consensus estimates of $3.40. The revenue beat was driven by strong growth in the Research and Development and Technology and Analytics segments, each reporting near‑double‑digit increases, while the Contract Sales and Medical Solutions segment grew 18.6% year‑over‑year. The company’s adjusted EBITDA rose to $1 billion, reflecting disciplined cost management amid expanding revenue.
Management highlighted the strategic fit of the acquisition, with David Morris stating, "This acquisition will meaningfully strengthen our ability to support clients earlier in the R&D lifecycle and complements our existing translational and clinical development capabilities." CEO Ari Bousbib added, "IQVIA has the largest proprietary healthcare information assets in the world and is the foundation of our value to clients."
IQVIA’s full‑year 2026 guidance projects revenue of $17,150 million to $17,350 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $12.55 to $12.85, incorporating an estimated 150 basis‑point contribution from acquisitions and a 100 basis‑point tailwind from foreign‑exchange. The guidance is tempered by an $80 million increase in interest expense expected in 2026, which has prompted investors to focus on the headwind to earnings growth despite the earnings beat and strong segment performance.
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