Oncodesign Services, a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in drug discovery and preclinical services in oncology and immuno-inflammation, and Elyan Partners announce the completion of the acquisition of a majority stake in Oncodesign Services by Edmond De Rothschild Equity Strategies IV (ERES IV), from its main shareholders, including Philippe Genne, Founder of Oncodesign Services.

This acquisition is made in partnership with the management of Oncodesign Services led by Dr. Fabrice Viviani and with Dr. Philippe Genne (via his holding company P.C.G.), former CEO and Founder of Oncodesign.

Oncodesign Services (ODS), a leader in Drug Discovery services: With 600 clients in 33 countries and 227 employees worldwide, provides services from target identification to hit-to-lead and lead optimization through to IND filing.

Oncodesign Precision Medicine (OPM), a leader in Precision Medicine: A biopharmaceutical company with several kinase inhibitors expected to enter clinical phase shortly.

On October 18, 2022, the Board of Directors took note of the resignations of directors, as well as the resignation of Philippe Genne from his position as Chairman and CEO and member of the Board. Jean-François Felix is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and Fabrice Viviani is appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Philippe Genne, Founder of Oncodesign said: “We have reached the end of a strategy started in 2020 with the establishment of the Business Units. Over the last few months, we have been able to establish a lasting relationship with Elyan Partners and I am confident that this change will be a development accelerator for Drug Discovery Services that will enable Oncodesign Services to achieve important international commercial successes in the future. A new adventure is beginning, and I am happy to entrust the keys of the Services house to Fabrice Viviani who has demonstrated the full extent of his qualities as the head of the Services BU in recent years.”

This transaction represents a new stage in the life of Oncodesign Services and is being carried out with a continuity of the management team: Fabrice Viviani, who headed the Services part of Oncodesign, is now CEO of Oncodesign Services (ODS) and Philippe Genne, Founder and former CEO of Oncodesign, remains a significant shareholder via his holding company P.C.G. and becomes Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the holding company that acquired ODS.

Fabrice Viviani, CEO of Oncodesign Services, comments: “Today marks a major milestone in the history and trajectory of Oncodesign Services, and I am particularly proud to have been able to contribute with Philippe Genne and his management team, as well as with all of my colleagues, to the growth dynamic of Drug Discovery's service activities, which has been underway for the past few years. We have solid foundations to capitalize on this momentum, and I am delighted to have the support of the Elyan Partners team, who shares our ambition and desire to continue to grow significantly in a service sector that is essential to the discovery of innovative drugs, and to become one of the key European players in drug discovery for our partners and clients of today and tomorrow.”

Jean-François Félix, Vincent Manès and Maxence de Vienne, Partners of Elyan, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone and confirm our intention to support the management team of Oncodesign Services in the pursuit of organic growth, possibly combined with acquisitions aimed at increasing the company's scientific expertise, access to other customers or other geographies.”