News
LDC-backed Panthera Biopartners completes first European acquisition
16 Apr 2026
Panthera Biopartners (Panthera), the leading UK based clinical trial Site Management Organisation (SMO), has completed the acquisition of Hungary-based Óbudai Egészségügyi Centrum Kft (OEC), marking its first international expansion since LDC’s investment in August 2025.
Headquartered in Preston, Lancashire, Panthera was established in 2019 and specialises in patient recruitment and delivery of Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organisations (CROs). The company operates seven UK sites and works with eight of the world’s 12 largest pharmaceutical companies.
The deal represents a key milestone in Panthera’s strategy to expand across Europe by acquiring high-quality businesses with scale, strong operational track records and excellent client relationships. LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, is supporting the company’s ambition to create a leading pan-European clinical trial site network.
OEC is Hungary’s leading independent clinical research site network, bringing four established sites – including a flagship Budapest location – into Panthera’s platform. The acquisition enhances Panthera’s geographic reach, strengthens patient recruitment capabilities, and provides access to a high-growth clinical research market.
With continued support from LDC and BGF, Panthera is scaling its operations to meet increasing global demand for faster, more efficient clinical trials. The business is actively pursuing further acquisition opportunities across Europe as it builds a differentiated, multi-country SMO platform.
With the support of LDC and BGF, we are building a differentiated European clinical trials platform focused on quality and scale. This acquisition is a key milestone, and we are actively advancing a strong pipeline of further opportunities."
The transaction underscores LDC’s strategy of partnering with ambitious healthcare businesses to accelerate growth through targeted M&A and international expansion.
Grant Goodwin, Investment Director at LDC, added: “This acquisition demonstrates Stuart and the team’s clear strategic vision for building a leading European clinical trials platform. OEC is a high-quality business with strong operational foundations and an excellent reputation in an attractive and growing market.”