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Company history
From a small team of 5 in 1990 to almost 40,000 employees in 78 locations in 43 countries
Founded in 1990, in Dublin, Ireland with a small team of five, ICON now employs almost 40,000 employees in 78 locations in 43 countries, providing global expertise in clinical development and commercialisation, across a broad range of therapeutic areas.
Over the years, we have grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions, expanding our service portfolio and scaling our capabilities.
Key milestones include:
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2024
ICON acquires KCR, a mid-size CRO, founded and headquartered in Poland, offering full service and functional service provision clinical trial services.
ICON acquires HumanFirst, a cloud-based technology company for life sciences supporting precision measurement in patient centered clinical research.
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2023
ICON acquires Philips Pharma Solutions, a leading provider of medical imaging and cardiac safety monitoring services.
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2021
ICON acquires PRA Health Sciences, creating the most advanced healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation in the world
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2020
ICON acquires MedPass International, a leading European medical device CRO, regulatory and reimbursement consultancy
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2019
ICON acquires Symphony Clinical Research, a leading provider of at-home patient services and site support services
ICON acquires MediNova, an integrated network of clinical research sites across EMEA
ICON acquires MolecularMD to enhance laboratory offering in molecular diagnostic testing and immunohistochemistry
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2017
ICON acquires MAPI Group to become world’s 2nd largest provider of late phase services
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2016
ICON acquires Clinical Research Management Inc. to extend presence in the government sponsored research market
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2015
ICON celebrates 25 years
ICON creates new global innovation hub in Ireland to advance clinical development
ICON acquires MediMedia Pharma Solutions to enhance market access and scientific communications capabilities
ICON acquires PMG Research Inc, an integrated network of clinical research sites in the US
ICON launches Medical Device and Diagnostics Research Group
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2014
ICON acquires Aptiv Solutions, a market leader in adaptive trial design and execution
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2013
ICON acquires staffing and FSP providers, ClinForce and Assent
ICON acquires Akos, an EU Provider of Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Services
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2012
ICON acquires PriceSpective, a global value strategy consultancy
ICON acquires Chinese CRO, BeijingWits
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2011
ICON acquires Oxford Outcomes, an international health outcomes consultancy
ICON acquires Firecrest Clinical, a technology provider specialising in site performance and study management
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2010
ICON acquires Timaq Medical Imaging Inc.
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2009
ICON acquires Veeda Laboratories, a UK Biomarker Lab
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2008
ICON acquires US Phase I Provider Healthcare Discoveries
ICON acquires US Bioanalytical Lab, Prevalere Life Sciences
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2007
ICON acquires European staffing group, DOCS International
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2006
ICON acquires Outcomes Research and Health Economics specialist, Ovation Research Group
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2005
ICON opens first Indian office in Chennai
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2004
ICON acquires medical imaging specialist, Beacon Bioscience Inc.
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2003
ICON acquires Medeval, a UK-based Phase I facility
ICON acquires US consulting firm, Globomax
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2002
ICON acquires staffing group, Managed Clinical Solutions
ICON opens first African office in South Africa
ICON acquires clinical research provider, BPA
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2000
ICON acquires UK-based regulatory consultancy, YRCR Ltd.
ICON acquires Central Laboratory in New York
ICON acquires bioanalytical consultancy, Pacific Research
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1999
ICON opens its first Middle East office in Israel
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1998
ICON begins trading on the Nasdaq exchange
ICON opens its first South American office in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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1997
ICON’s Hans Werner Voss conducts world’s first Adaptive Clinical Trial for an asthma study
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1996
ICON opens its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan
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1995
ICON opens its first office in Germany
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1992
ICON opens its first US office in Philadelphia
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1991
ICON opens its first overseas office in Winchester, UK