RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., – 19 October 2026 – Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), has completed the previously announced divestiture of its Early Phase Services business to Fortrea.
The completed transaction marks an important step in Worldwide’s long-term growth strategy, enabling the company to sharpen its focus and investment on its rapidly growing clinical development business across oncology, neuroscience, internal medicine, and rare disease. Worldwide will continue to provide core healthy volunteer study capabilities globally through its external site network, ensuring sponsors have access to the expertise and services needed across all phases of development.
“Completing this transaction is another step forward in Worldwide’s growth strategy,” said Alistair Macdonald, CEO of Worldwide. “We have strong momentum in the business, and we are continuing to invest in our people, clinical leadership, technology, and geographic reach to capture the opportunities ahead and continue delivering for our customers.”
Worldwide has entered into agreements with Fortrea, intended to support continuity for clients, employees, and ongoing programs. Both organizations remain focused on maintaining project momentum and providing a seamless transition for employees, clients, and volunteers.
BroadOak Partners served as Worldwide’s financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig, LLP is served as its legal counsel.
About Worldwide Clinical Trials:
Worldwide Clinical Trials (Worldwide) is a global CRO serving development-driven biopharmaceutical companies, with more than 4,400 full-time professionals operating across more than 70 countries. The company delivers therapeutically dedicated expertise in neuroscience, oncology, rare disease, and internal medicine, with comprehensive support across every development phase—from early-stage and first-in-human studies through Phase III registration trials.
The company’s flexible service model—spanning full-service trial management to functional service partnerships through Worldwide Flex—is powered by a people first, partnership driven outsourcing approach that strengthens collaboration, enhances data transparency, and supports more informed decision making. This provides sponsors with tailored, adaptable solutions that keep pace with the evolving demands of clinical research. Learn more at www.worldwide.com.
