ramarketing acquires US market research firm ISR

Strategic life sciences marketing agency ramarketing has completed the acquisition of ISR Market Research, a specialist agency based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP), one of the largest pharmaceutical and biopharma hubs in North America.

The deal strengthens ramarketing’s North American presence while bringing together specialist market intelligence with strategy and marketing activation.
ISR is recognised for its primary research-led syndicated and custom market research for the pharmaceutical outsourcing market, including Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs), and Contract and Clinical Research Organisations (CROs). As part of the transaction, ISR will retain its brand, structure, and leadership, with CEO Kate Hammeke continuing in her role.

Emma Banks, Group CEO at ramarketing, said:

“ISR adds depth to our commercial offer in a way that is practical and client-led. Its research capability strengthens how we help clients make informed growth decisions, while keeping insight, strategy, and execution closely aligned.”

“One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the depth of insight ISR brings. Their research connects us directly with thousands of pharma and biotech buyers across the outsourcing market, creating a powerful database of evidence that will help our clients make better strategic decisions.”

“This is a capability-led investment rather than a structural overhaul. ISR retains its identity and research integrity, while gaining access to broader commercial support as part of the group.”

Kate Hammeke, CEO of ISR Market Research, said:

“ISR has built its reputation on rigorous primary research and trusted insight for the pharma outsourcing sector. Being part of ramarketing allows us to extend the impact of that work, giving clients stronger support in acting on insight without changing how we conduct or deliver our research.”

“Our team, methodologies, and client relationships remain unchanged. What expands is the range of support available to clients as they translate research into commercial decisions.”

The move brings together ISR’s research and insight capability with ramarketing’s strategy, marketing, and communications expertise. The combined capabilities will support clients from evidence generation and market insight through to positioning, go-to-market strategy and activation.

ramarketing works with pharmaceutical services and outsourcing organisations across Europe and North America, providing strategy, marketing, communications, and creative support to fuel growth. The business has grown steadily in recent years, supporting clients across CDMO, CRO, and wider pharmaceutical services, and now operates with a broader international footprint following the acquisition of ISR.

Liam May from ramarketing’s investment partner, NorthEdge, said:

“This acquisition strengthens the group’s ability to support evidence-led decision-making across the pharma services market and reflects a clear focus on building differentiated capability – reinforcing ramarketing’s position as a leading, data-driven commercial partner for life sciences clients globally.”

Alvarez & Marsal acted as Corporate Finance adviser to ramarketing, alongside Cortus (Financial), Addleshaw Goddard and Rich May (UK and US Legal).