Verdane funds sell CRF Health to Vitruvian Partners

Verdane funds invested in CRF through the acquisition of Nordic Venture Partners fund I, in early 2013. By acquiring out a minority shareholder a few months later to gain majority control, Verdane funds could align the ownership agenda and initiate a long term plan for accelerated growth. The plan included significant investments to develop and expand the management team, to put into place a new technology road map and to target growth in new therapeutic and geographic areas. The business has added more than 100 people to reach 280 employees, and has grown revenues by more than 80% in the two years since Verdane funds became owners. CRF has also launched new solutions, such as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

“For us, the CRF journey is a text book example of what we can achieve with Verdane funds’ flexible investment strategy. In step one, Verdane funds provide liquidity in two phases to different owner groups. This enabled step two, which was all about helping CRF grow by working closely with the management team. We put an ambitious plan in place together with CEO Rachael Wyllie and her team, and they repeatedly exceeded our expectations during the past two years.”  comments Lars B. Thoresen, Managing Partner at Verdane Capital Advisors.

“We are always thrilled when Nordic technology succeeds internationally and CRF is a great example also of that. When we were seeking out the optimal buyer to support the next stage of growth for CRF, Vitruvian Partners’ expertise with international, high growth technology/healthcare buyouts and their clear understanding of the company’s potential positioned them perfectly for partnering with CRF’s world class management team.” adds Lars B. Thoresen.

CRF’s solutions allow leading biopharmaceutical companies to collect electronic self-reported data from patients during clinical trials. This improves data quality, reduces clinical research costs and shortens time to market. Clinical outcome assessments are increasingly viewed as a platform for growing further services.

Founded in Helsinki in 2000, the company today has experience from about 550 clinical trials globally. From its Nordic base, CRF has followed its clients around the globe, and established its commercial centre in Philadelphia and its headquarters in London.

“Under Verdane funds ownership, we have managed to grow revenues by an average of 35% per year, grow our customer base and continue to improve quality. We would not have been able to execute on this ambitious growth strategy without Verdane funds’  focused ownership.”  says Rachael Wyllie, CEO at CRF. “We now look forward to the next leg of our rapid growth journey with Vitruvian.”

“Vitruvian is pleased to invest in CRF at a time of continued rapid market growth for eCOA. This investment will allow the company the flexibility to accelerate growth both organically and inorganically by further leveraging its market-leading technological proposition. We are therefore delighted to partner with CRF Health’s outstanding management team and look forward to jointly driving the next phase of the company’s global development.” comments Philip Russmeyer, Partner at Vitruvian Partners.

Two co-investors joined Verdane Capital VII in backing CRF; Ferd Capital and Hamilton Lane.

Closing is expected to take place on or before 31 January, subject to approval of competition filing. Jefferies acted as corporate finance adviser, KPMG advised on financial aspects, LEK advised on commercial aspects and Travers Smith and Castren & Snellman acted as the seller’s legal advisers.