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DEALMAKERS
Established in 1997, OEC is widely regarded as Hungary’s leading independent clinical research organisation and the only non- academic site network operating at scale in the country.
Over nearly three decades, it has built a high- quality, commercially successful clinical trials business, delivering Phase II–IV studies across a broad range of therapeutic areas.
Real funding. Real deals.
The transaction adds four Hungarian sites to Panthera’s network, including its flagship Budapest location, as well as three additional sites in Zalaegerszeg, Dunaújváros and Kaposvár.
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OEC is currently running more than 60 clinical trials across the four sites, all supported by fully trained staff working to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
The acquisition forms part of Panthera’s vision to build a leading international site network that offers sponsors scalable, high-performing sites and consistent delivery standards across multiple geographies.
Steve Bell Pierce
Martin Emmott Rosebud
PANTHERA STARTS ON A EUROPEAN HEALTH PLAN
Fast-growing Lancashire life sciences business Panthera Biopartners has expanded its footprint into Europe.
The UK based clinical trial Site Management Organisation (SMO), has announced the acquisition of Hungary’s leading independent clinical research site network.
The strategic deal to purchase Óbudai Egészségügyi Centrum Kft (OEC), marks the first step in Preston headquartered Panthera’s European expansion strategy.
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It says the transaction also brings together two high-performing, like-minded organisations to accelerate clinical trial delivery across the region. No figure has been put on the deal.
The move follows Panthera’s investment from LDC, the private equity investor which is part of
Lloyds Banking Group, alongside reinvestment from BGF, in August 2025.
The investment was made to support Panthera’s ambition to become a major clinical research player across Europe through targeted international expansion.
Panthera chief executive Stuart Young says: “This acquisition represents a major milestone for Panthera as we expand into mainland Europe.
“OEC is a well-established organisation in Hungary with an outstanding reputation for quality, efficiency and patient access. By bringing together leading businesses in the UK and Hungary, we are creating a powerful platform to deliver faster, more reliable clinical trials at scale.”
Panthera is already the UK’s largest independent Site Management Organisation (SMO), specialising in patient recruitment and the delivery of clinical trials through a network of seven dedicated research clinics across the country.
Stuart Young
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