Alcanza Acquires Tampa Bay Medical Research, Expanding National Network

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 07, 2026 – In a strategic move signaling ongoing consolidation within the clinical research sector, Alcanza Clinical Research has acquired Tampa Bay Medical Research (TBMR), a prominent independent research organization. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, integrates TBMR’s Florida-based facilities into Alcanza's growing national network of investigator sites. Westcove Partners, a specialized healthcare investment bank, served as the exclusive financial advisor to Tampa Bay Medical Research in the transaction.

The acquisition reflects a significant trend of private equity investment aimed at scaling and integrating the highly fragmented clinical research site market. Alcanza, a portfolio company of the healthcare-focused private equity firm Martis Capital, is at the forefront of this movement, building a comprehensive platform designed to accelerate drug development and broaden patient access to clinical trials.

A Strategic Acquisition to Expand National Reach

Alcanza Clinical Research operates as a mission-focused investigator site network with a stated goal of reducing barriers to clinical research participation, particularly for underrepresented communities. With this acquisition, Alcanza adds TBMR’s two dedicated facilities in Clearwater and Largo, Florida, to its expanding footprint, which already includes 25 research units across the United States and Puerto Rico. This marks Alcanza's ninth acquisition since 2021, underscoring an aggressive growth strategy to create a robust, geographically diverse network.

Tampa Bay Medical Research has established itself as a high-quality clinical trial site over nearly four decades. Led by Dr. Sureka Bollepalli, the organization has conducted over 600 Phase II-IV trials across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including MASH/MASLD, metabolic diseases, endocrinology, and vaccines. Its reputation for reliable enrollment and high-quality trial execution made it an attractive target for a national platform builder like Alcanza.

The integration promises to combine TBMR’s deep community roots and operational excellence with Alcanza's scalable infrastructure, centralized services, and broad network of pharmaceutical sponsors. Dr. Bollepalli will continue to lead the Tampa Bay operations, ensuring leadership continuity and a seamless transition for staff, patients, and research partners.

Private Equity Fuels Consolidation in Clinical Research

The transaction is a prime example of private equity's growing influence on the clinical research landscape. The global clinical trial site market, estimated to be worth over $21 billion, has long been characterized by fragmentation, with thousands of independent sites operating with varying levels of resources and infrastructure. Private equity firms like Martis Capital see an opportunity to create value by consolidating these sites into integrated networks that can offer greater efficiency, broader capabilities, and more consistent quality to pharmaceutical sponsors.

Martis Capital, which has raised over $2.2 billion since 2011, formed Alcanza in 2022 with the explicit goal of addressing disparities and enhancing inclusion in clinical trials. Its investment thesis focuses on backing companies that can improve patient outcomes and expand access to care. By acquiring and integrating successful independent sites, Martis and Alcanza are building a platform that can compete for larger, more complex trials and better serve the industry's demand for diverse patient populations.

This consolidation wave offers a pathway to growth for founder-led sites like TBMR, providing access to capital and resources that might otherwise be out of reach. However, it also intensifies the competitive pressure on smaller, standalone sites, potentially accelerating the shift away from a fragmented market toward one dominated by a few large, well-capitalized site networks.

Enhancing Patient Access and Research Capabilities in Florida

For the Tampa Bay community, the acquisition is positioned as a significant benefit. By joining Alcanza's network, TBMR is expected to enhance its ability to bring cutting-edge clinical trials to local patients. The partnership provides the necessary scale and infrastructure to expand therapeutic offerings and increase patient enrollment, aligning with Alcanza’s core mission of making clinical research accessible to everyone.

Dr. Sureka Bollepalli, owner of TBMR, expressed optimism about the deal's potential. "The Westcove team was always available, communicated clearly, and kept the process organized from start to finish," she stated. "It was clear they had our best interests in mind, which gave us confidence throughout the transaction." This sentiment points to a successful alignment of strategic goals, where TBMR's local legacy is preserved while being amplified by a national platform.

The integration will likely lead to operational synergies, allowing TBMR to leverage Alcanza’s centralized business development, administrative support, and technological platforms. This support system enables site leaders like Dr. Bollepalli to focus more on clinical oversight and patient care, ultimately strengthening the quality of research conducted at the local level and expanding access to innovative treatment opportunities for patients in the region.

The Art of the Deal: Navigating Founder-Led M&A

Facilitating this complex transaction was Westcove Partners, an investment bank that has carved out a niche advising founder-operated businesses within the healthcare sector. The firm’s role as exclusive financial advisor to TBMR highlights the critical need for specialized expertise when founders navigate strategic exits or partnerships.

Westcove’s team—led by Managing Director Justin Hand, Vice President Bill Bolding, Associate Geno Catalano, and Analyst Andrew Hartono—managed the process from start to finish. Their involvement ensured that Dr. Bollepalli’s interests were protected while securing a partner that aligned with TBMR's culture and mission.

Bill Bolding of Westcove commented on the strategic fit, stating, "Dr. Bollepalli has built a high-quality clinical research platform with a strong track record of execution. Alcanza is a natural partner for TBMR, bringing scale and infrastructure that support continued growth while preserving the strengths of the existing site." This comment underscores the advisory firm's role in not just maximizing financial value but also ensuring a sustainable and synergistic future for the business post-transaction.

The successful acquisition of Tampa Bay Medical Research by Alcanza serves as a blueprint for how independent healthcare businesses can achieve their next phase of growth, demonstrating that with the right strategic partner and expert guidance, local expertise can be leveraged to make a national impact.