We are pleased to announce that our client, Courante Oncology, Inc., has been acquired by Harvest Integrated Research Organization. The acquisition closed on August 15, 2023.

Located in Excelsior, Minnesota, Courante Oncology (Courante) is a full-service clinical research provider specializing in oncology product development. The Company offers a wide range of clinical trial management and support services to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, including project management, clinical site monitoring, quality assurance, and medical writing services.

Courante, with over 25 years of experience in the drug development industry, has established a reputation for excellence in delivering clinical trial management and support services. The acquisition by Harvest Integrated Research Organization (HiRO) recognizes the oncology expertise and dedication of the Courante team, and HiRO is excited to expand their global service offerings and functions further into the U.S. and beyond.

HiRO is a globally oriented, innovative clinical research organization (CRO). With global operations and integration capabilities, HiRO provides a full range of cross-border solutions and services to its clients, including early pre-clinical strategic planning, clinical trial design, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, statistics, data management, end-to-end project management, and clinical and medical monitoring services.

HiRO, a Delaware company, is led by CEO Karen Chu, a highly experienced senior executive with 20 years of management and operation experience in the global clinical research industry. The HiRO team strives to deliver best-in-class, cross-border solutions and relentless accountability that set them apart in the demanding clinical trial landscape. HiRO works collaboratively with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the delivery of innovative medicines, responding with simple, rapid, cost-effective clinical research solutions across the commercialization pathway.

Sheri Smith, President of Courante, stated, “We are so excited to be joining HiRO. This partnership will allow us to offer expanded services and enhanced value to clients through a more global network.” 

Karen Chu said, “We are so delighted to have the Courante team joining us. They have unparalleled experience in oncology, and the passion they have for exploring new oncology treatments for patients has really shined through during this process. Courante is a great addition to the HiRO team!”

Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, and his team, led by Managing Director, M&A, Ryan Johnson, successfully closed the transaction.  Executive Managing Director and Group Leader, Randy Kamin, established the original relationship with Courante.

“It was very important to Sheri Smith that Courante be acquired by a company best able to leverage Courante’s expertise and maintain its reputation in major pharmaceutical and medical device markets for exceptional ethical and work standards,” said Johnson. 

Johnson added, “HiRO was the perfect fit and offers an exciting opportunity for Courante’s employees to be part of a larger multinational company.”