Press release - June 30, 2025

RSM, the 6th largest global consulting and audit network, conducted the financial and tax due diligence for Astek, a global player in engineering and technology consulting, as part of its acquisition of the Life science CRO business unit of Keyrus, a listed company specializing in clinical and non-clinical trial management for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries.

For this cross-border deal, Astek was supported by a Franco-Belgian RSM team led by partners Eric Fougedoire, Cécile Guyot, and Louisa Van Herreman.

Through this carve-out transaction, the Corporate Finance team strengthens its advisory role with European companies in the context of their strategic acquisitions

Official press release from Astek

Astek, a global engineering and technology consulting firm, is accelerating its positioning in the Life Sciences sector and the Contract Research Organization (CRO) market through the planned acquisition of Keyrus’ Life Sciences CRO business unit. Keyrus is a recognized provider of CRO services, specializing in the management of clinical and non-clinical trials for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries.

A strategic expansion and enhanced clinical trial expertise

The acquisition of Keyrus’ Life Sciences CRO activities will allow Astek to strengthen its value proposition by offering a comprehensive and integrated service portfolio to Life Sciences clients, combining clinical expertise with technological innovation.

With more than 230 employees across France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, Keyrus’ Life Sciences CRO operations support leading clients in Europe and North America in the design, management, and analysis of clinical trials. These activities also benefit from a presence in North Africa and India.

The offering covers the full development cycle: clinical and regulatory development (development plans, regulatory submissions, methodological design), clinical operations (trial management, monitoring, data management, biostatistics), medical writing, and non-interventional study management.

Following the contemplated acquisition, Astek’s Life Sciences division will comprise more than 1,200 professionals worldwide and will benefit from the Group’s strong offshore capabilities in Poland and India, where 700 experts are dedicated to Life Sciences and biostatistics. Astek’s CRO branch, which aims to unite all its CRO brands under a single umbrella, is set to become a leading mid-size CRO on a global scale, consolidating the Group’s position in a high-value and rapidly evolving sector.

A growth and innovation trajectory for Astek

This acquisition project aligns with Astek’s ambitious growth strategy, targeting €1 billion in revenue by 2027. It reflects the Group’s vision of remaining agile and innovative, operating in high-value, high-potential markets.

Julien Gavaldon, Chairman of the Executive Board of Astek Group, commented: “The acquisition of Keyrus’ Life Sciences CRO operations illustrates our commitment to becoming a key player in the digital transformation of the Life Sciences sector. By combining our expertise in engineering and data science with the CRO capabilities of Keyrus, we are ideally positioned to support our clients in overcoming clinical, regulatory, and technological challenges on a global scale.”

Jean-Christophe Franoux, Executive Director of Astek Group in charge of Life Sciences, added: “Following the integration of IT&M Stats and Sanoïa—which enhanced our capabilities in the digitalization of clinical and non-clinical trials, real-world health data, and data science—the planned acquisition of Keyrus’ Life Sciences CRO operations further expands our expertise. These combined strengths and our digital solutions will allow us to accelerate clinical trial transformation, real-world data utilization, and ultimately the market entry of new therapies.”