DFW Capital Partners (“DFW”) announced that it has formed Continuum Research Group (“CRG”) and that CRG has completed its first investment in Lotus Clinical Research, LLC of Pasadena, California (“Lotus” or the “Company”). CRG is led by Jeffrey Kinell, who previously was the CEO of Bracket Global, a leader in clinical trials technology , and CEO of CRI Lifetree, the leader in clinical trials for special populations before being acquired by PRA. Lotus, led by Dr. Neil Singla, a Board certified anesthesiologist, is the preeminent CRO and clinical research site focused on the pain therapeutic area. CRG and Lotus are DFW’s sixth portfolio investment in its newest fund, DFW Capital Partners V, LP, which held its final closing in April 2016 with $360 million in aggregate commitments.
Jeff Kinell will join Lotus’ Board as will DFW operating partner Kurt Brykman. Mr. Brykman has an extensive CRO background, previously serving in executive leadership roles with Medpace and PAREXEL. The addition of Mr. Kinell and Mr. Brykman add both site and CRO expertise to Lotus. Dr. Singla, Lotus’ CEO noted, “The combination of DFW, Jeff, and Kurt bring the exact combination of strategic guidance and mentorship that I was looking for in a partner and am excited for the next phase of Lotus’ growth with our new partners.”
Brett Prager, General Partner for DFW, added “What excited us from the start was our ability to bring Jeff’s and Kurt’s respective expertise to bear on a market leading company in an industry we knew well from our prior successful investment in Evolution Research Group. Once we had a chance to spend time with Neil and his team, it was evident that Lotus was uniquely differentiated based on scientific expertise and quality.” Webster Bank and S2K Partners provided debt financing to DFW in connection with the transaction. Lotus was represented by Edgemont Partners.
About DFW Capital Partners
DFW Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm focused on lower middle-market companies. The firm concentrates on service companies, with an emphasis on healthcare and outsourced business and industrial support services. DFW has established a 20+ year track record of success in building leading companies. DFW is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey and maintains an office in Chevy Chase, Maryland.