Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WIL Research for approximately $585 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments.

WIL Research is a premier provider of safety assessment and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services to biopharmaceutical and agricultural and industrial chemical companies worldwide. Acquiring WIL Research will enhance Charles River’s position as a leading global early-stage contract research organization (CRO) by strengthening its ability to partner with global clients across the drug discovery and development continuum.

James C. Foster, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Laboratories, commented, “In addition to meeting our disciplined acquisition criteria, WIL Research is an exceptional strategic fit for Charles River because it incorporates the key attributes we require in an acquisition: high-quality services, scientific expertise, complementary capabilities, and access to growing end markets. The acquisition will also expand our geographic footprint, particularly in continental Europe, providing needed capacity to meet current and future demand and enabling Charles River to provide a broader range of services proximate to our global clients.”

“In addition to enhancing our value proposition for clients, we believe that the acquisition ofWIL Research will generate value for shareholders, driving profitable revenue growth and non-GAAP earnings per share accretion of at least $0.20 in 2016 and $0.45 to $0.50 in 2017. We greatly respect WIL Research’s employees, its scientific capabilities, and the reputation it has built over 40 years since its founding, and look forward to welcoming WIL Research to the Charles River family,” Mr. Foster concluded.