ClinPro, a leading contract research organization (CRO) based in New Jersey, has combined with San Francisco-based CRO Pacific Data Designs, a portfolio company of DW Healthcare Partners. Updata Advisors was pleased to have served as the sole financial advisor to ClinPro and its shareholders in this transaction. The combination of ClinPro and PDD creates a best-in-class organization that specializes in data management and biostatistical programming services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Both organizations are known for the excellence of their client service, their outsourcing solutions, and the processes and technology they deploy during sponsor clinical and post-marketing trials. Combined, they offer a bi-coastal platform for expanded client reach and offerings. This deal underscores Updata's strength in mergers and acquisitions advisory for companies in the business services sector, particularly technology-enabled outsourcing organizations focused in verticals like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Updata expects to see ongoing consolidation among companies in the fast-growing CRO space as pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms seek to speed FDA approval initiatives while focusing on core competencies. Off the heels of other recent Updata transactions such as Managed Objects’ sale to Novell and Secure Computing’s acquisition of Securify, this deal marks the eighth transaction Updata Advisors has announced since the beginning of the summer and the thirteenth of 2008. Amid the current economic turmoil, we continue to announce and close deals and guide our clients toward Greater Outcomes®. | 
