Avista Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm focused on healthcare, has purchased Taconic Biosciences, a provider of genetically engineered research models (GEMs) and related services, from H.I.G. Capital.

Headquartered in Rensselaer, N.Y., Taconic focuses on murine models for use in drug discovery research and non-clinical safety testing. The company offers its products and services to pharmaceutical companies, biotech customers, contract research organizations and government and academic research institutions.

“Leveraging Avista’s industry knowledge, operational expertise, and financial resources, we look forward to helping Taconic capitalize on the opportunity for continued organic growth and strategic acquisitions,” comments Garrett Lustig, principal at Avista.

Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisor to Avista.