WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of MPI Research for approximately $800 million in cash, subject to certain customary adjustments.

MPI is a premier non-clinical contract research organization (CRO) providing comprehensive testing services to biopharmaceutical and medical device companies worldwide. Acquiring MPI will enhance Charles River’s position as a leading global early-stage CRO by strengthening its ability to partner with clients across the drug discovery and development continuum.

James C. Foster, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Laboratories, commented, “We are pleased to welcome the exceptional team at MPI Research to the Charles River family. The addition of MPI’s scientific expertise, high-quality services, and complementary capabilities will enable us to enhance the support we can provide to clients, as they address the complex challenges of drug discovery and early-stage development. The acquisition of MPI also enhances our ability to achieve our long-term growth goals by building scale to meet current and future demand, and by expanding our biotechnology client base, the fastest-growing market segment.”

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.