Pharmaceutical research services provider Charles River Laboratories International Inc (NYSE:CRL) announced on Monday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Frontage Holdings Corporation's bioanalysis and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) businesses in Exton, Pennsylvania.

Under the agreement Charles River will pay an initial purchase price of approximately USD470m in cash, plus up to USD75m in performance-based payments.

The acquisition includes two laboratory facilities spanning approximately 150,000 square feet, a CLIA-certified central laboratory and a workforce of around 340 employees. The operations provide bioanalysis, biomarker and DMPK testing services for large and small molecules, primarily supporting clinical development programmes for biopharmaceutical companies.

This transaction will expand Charles River's clinical bioanalysis capabilities, complementing its existing preclinical testing services and strengthening its support for clients throughout the drug development lifecycle, particularly in biologics and complex therapeutic modalities.

The acquired businesses accounted for approximately 40% of Frontage's 2025 revenue of USD256.7m. Charles River expects the operations to grow in line with projected bioanalysis sector growth over the next five years.

The acquisition is expected to be neutral to non-GAAP earnings per share in 2027 and accretive thereafter.

Completion is anticipated in the first half of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.