Rohatyn Group completes investment in Croatian CRO Optimapharm

The Rohatyn Group (TRG), a US asset management firm focusing on emerging markets, has completed an investment in Optimapharm, a contract research organization (CRO) based in Croatia.

The Croatian CRO, which was established in 2006, manages clinical trials on behalf of major biotech, pharma, and medical devices companies across 22 countries in Europe.

Colin Clark – Rohatyn Group Head of EMEA Private Markets Investing and Harold Chatelus – Rohatyn Group Director said: “Optimapharm is a highly attractive business that provides a unique offering in the European CRO space, leveraging its roots in South-East Europe. We believe that they are well-positioned for continued growth given the increasing prevalence of clinical trial services outsourcing across many important market segments, including oncology, an area in which they have a particular expertise.

“CROs are increasingly acting as strategic advisors, actively proposing clinical study design advice and focusing on optimizing processes. We are proud to support the Company’s next chapter as well as the development of innovative treatments by Optimapharm’s clients.”

Optimapharm is said to offer customized solutions and provides differentiated access to patients. The contract research organization is claimed to have a repeat business rate of more than 95%.

With the investment from the Rohatyn Group, Optimapharm will continue to seek growth organically and via strategic acquisitions.

Gordana Gregurić Čičak – founder and CEO of Optimapharm, and Igor Čičak –  founder and Chairman of Optimapharm said: ”We are tremendously proud of the growth achieved by the team at Optimapharm, particularly in the last 18 months, which saw a rate of geographic expansion unprecedented in the firm’s history. TRG’s investment will accelerate the next phase in the Company’s development through further regional expansion and bolt-on acquisitions.

“We look forward to continuing our growth in partnership with The Rohatyn Group and leveraging the team’s expertise.”