Ohio’s NAMSA acquires Minnesota clinical research firm

NORTHWOOD, Ohio — Medical device contract research company North American Science Associates Inc. has acquired for an undisclosed amount a Minnesota company that specializes in similar work.

The acquired firm, Alquest Inc., will maintain its name, staff and Minneapolis location. The deal will help the two companies offer a broader range of services to customers, according to a statement from the companies.

Alquest has typically focused on helping clients with clinical trials, while NAMSA’s strength is pre-clinical work, according to a report from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

Each of the firms help clients along the path to receiving regulatory approval of new medical devices.

Founded in 1967, NAMSA says it was the first independent company to focus solely on testing medical device materials and pharmaceutical containers for safety. NAMSA has about 500 employees, while Alquest employs 55.

In addition to its headquarters in the Toledo area, NAMSA has offices in eight locations, including Israel, Japan and France.