Australian medtech consultancy merges with international leader

An Australian consultancy has merged with an international equivalent in a move it says could open the way for Australian life science companies to access broader global markets.

Brandwood CKC is now part of the privately-owned PharmaLex Group.

The Sydney-based Brandwood CKC offers a wide range of regulatory, technical, and commercial services for developers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical devices, diagnostics and pharmaceutical products.

Services include regulatory submissions and strategy, quality management, product standards, due diligence, product development, compliance support, biocompatibility, regulator advocacy and market access initiatives.

The company was formed in 2019 following the merger of Brandwood Biomedical and Capital K Consulting.

PharmaLex has more than 1,300 employees across 40 offices in 22 countries. Until now has not had a material presence in Australia.

Brandwood CKC managing director Grant Bennett said, “The merger allows us to expand the range and geographical reach of services we can provide our clients, as well as supporting PharmaLex by providing global expertise in the medical device and diagnostic sectors.

“We have always provided solid experience-backed support to clients, including access into Europe and the USA. However, having the support and access of PharmaLex in these regions, takes us to the next level,” he added.

Mr Bennett believes the combined group will also provide clients with a broader network of consultants to help them expand into additional global markets. “Australia is a leader in the medtech and diagnostic space, with considerable government support to develop it further,” he said.

“With the exception of a few large and well-known Australian companies, most are smaller organisations facing the challenge of approaching the global market. Challenges include an understanding of the commercial horizon for their technology, regulatory implications, how to connect with the right partners and who to approach for the right advice. Brandwood CKC had shown growth in excess of 20 per cent in recent years and this momentum is expected to continue.”

“We expect continued strong growth and that is absolutely our goal. This provides the opportunity to further develop our team while providing a foothold in the Asia Pacific markets,” added Mr Bennett.

He said the company will continue to operate under the Brandwood CKC name before transitioning to PharmaLex later in the year.

PharmaLex CEO Dr Thomas Dobmeyer said the merger would strengthen the company’s presence in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Asia Pacific.

“Brandwood CKC has a strong client base,” he said. “Coupled with the additional services we offer; we hope this will enable us to gain greater visibility and support our international clients to get their products successfully approved and marketed in this important region.”

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