{{short description|Irish pharmaceutical company}} {{see also|Icon (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox company | name = ICON plc | logo = ICONplc.svg | type = Public | traded_as = {{NASDAQ|ICLR}} | industry = {{Unbulleted list|Contract research organization|Pharmaceutical|Medical device|Life sciences|Consulting}} | fate = | predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = --> | successor = <!-- or: | successors = --> | founded = {{Start date and age|1990}} in Dublin, Ireland | founders = {{ubl|John Climax|Ronan Lambe}} | defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | hq_location_city = Dublin | hq_location_country = Ireland | area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = --> | key_people = {{Plain list| *Barry Balfe (CEO) *Nigel Clerkin (CFO) }} | products = Services for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries | owner = <!-- or: | owners = --> | revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|8.28 billion|link=yes}} (2024) | net_income = {{increase}} {{US$|705.05 million}} (2024) | assets = {{decrease}} {{US$|16.88 billion}} (2024) | num_employees = 41,900 | num_employees_year = 2024 | parent = | website = [https://www.iconplc.com www.iconplc.com] }}
'''Icon plc''' (stylized as "ICON") is an Irish headquartered multinational healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-24|title=ICON to Acquire PRA Health Sciences, Creating a World Leader in Healthcare Intelligence and Clinical Research|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210224005484/en/ICON-to-Acquire-PRA-Health-Sciences-Creating-a-World-Leader-in-Healthcare-Intelligence-and-Clinical-Research|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en}}</ref> {{as of|2025|February}} had approximately 41,900 employees in 55 countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Facts and Figures |url=https://www.iconplc.com/news-events/mediakit/facts-and-figures |website=ICON plc |access-date=21 April 2025}}</ref>
==History== Icon was founded in Dublin, Ireland, by John Climax and Ronan Lambe in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=Icon founders poised to make $45m in share placing |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/icon-founders-poised-to-make-45m-in-share-placing-1.367243 |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Irish Times|date=24 July 2003}}</ref> Since January 2010, Climax has held a position on the board of directors. Lambe retired from the board of directors in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Board of Directors |url=https://ir.redrobin.com/governance/board-of-directors |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. |language=en}}</ref>
Between 1991 and 1996, Icon opened offices in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and Japan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Langan |first1=Sheila |title=ICON of Ireland |url=https://irishamerica.com/2013/12/icon-of-ireland/ |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Irish America |date=1 October 2014}}</ref> Two years later, Icon shares started to be traded on Nasdaq.<ref>{{cite news |title=ICON plc : ICON Announces the Commencement of Direct Trading on NASDAQ |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/ICON-PLC-1412383/news/ICON-plc-ICON-Announces-the-Commencement-of-Direct-Trading-on-NASDAQ-16010047/ |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Market Screener |date=5 February 2013}}</ref>
In March 2017, Steve Cutler was appointed chief executive officer of Icon.<ref>{{cite news |title=BRIEF-ICON says Steve Cutler to be named CEO |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINFWN1CQ08A |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Reuters |date=20 October 2016}}</ref> He had previously been with Quintiles South Africa, Sandoz AG, and Kendle Intl Inc, before joining Icon Clinical Research Services in 2011, and becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2014.<ref name="bloom">{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title= Profile Stephen A Cutler "Steve" |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/16461836 |access-date=28 November 2021 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref>
In 2018, Icon won ''PharmaTimes'' Clinical Researcher of the Year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Winner 2018 |url=http://www.pharmatimes.com/clinical_researcher_americas/winners_2018 |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Pharma Times |date=December 2018 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211024014/http://www.pharmatimes.com/clinical_researcher_americas/winners_2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2021, Icon was awarded ''PharmaTimes'' Clinical Research Company of the Year,<ref>{{cite news |title=Clinical Researcher of the Year - The Americas 2021 winners announced |url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/clinical_researcher_of_the_year_-_the_americas_2021_winners_announced_1382698 |access-date=29 October 2021 |publisher=Pharma Times |date=October 2021}}</ref> and in 2022, won Best Contract Research Organisation (FSP) <ref>{{cite news |title=Scrip Awards 2022 Winners have been Announced|url=https://pharmaintelligence.informa.com/ScripAwards2022 |access-date=30 November 2022 |publisher=Pharma Intelligence UK Limited |date=November 2022}}</ref> at the Scrip Awards.
On September 4, 2025, Icon announced that Steve Cutler will step down as CEO following his retirement on 1 October 2025 and is to be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Barry Balfe.<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON Announces CEO Transition |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904315076/en/ICON-Announces-CEO-Transition |website=Business Wire |publisher=Business Wire |access-date=4 September 2025 |date=4 September 2025}}</ref>
==Acquisitions== * 2000: Icon acquired UK-based regulatory consultancy, YRCR Ltd.; Central Laboratory in New York; and bioanalytical consultancy, Pacific Research<ref>{{cite web |title=YRCR was acquired by Icon on February 3, 2000 |url=https://mergr.com/yrcr-acquired-by-icon |website=Mergr |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Barrington |first1=Kathleen |title=Icon buys UCT for $2m cash plus $18m deferred payments |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/icon-buys-uct-for-2m-cash-plus-18m-deferred-payments-26115675.html |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Independent |date=10 June 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McGrath |first1=Brendan |title=Icon buys US data group in first public acquisition |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/icon-buys-us-data-group-in-first-public-acquisition-1.240169 |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=1 February 2000}}</ref> * 2002: Icon acquired clinical research provider, BPA.<ref>{{cite web |title=Form 20-F |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1060955/000095016206000304/icon20f_123105.htm |website=Securities and Exchange Commission |publisher=United States Government |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> * 2003: Icon acquired Medieval, a UK-based Phase I facility, and US consulting firm, Globomax <ref>{{cite web |title=Form 20-F |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1060955/000095016206000304/icon20f_123105.htm |website=Securities and Exchange Commission |publisher=United States Government |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ICON Acquires GloboMax |url=https://mergr.com/icon-acquires-globomax |website=Mergr |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> * 2004: Icon acquired medical imaging specialist, Beacon Bioscience Inc.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beacon Bioscience Acquired by ICON July 1, 2004 |url=https://www.crosstreecapital.com/outcomes/beacon-bioscience-acquired-by-icon-july-1-2004/ |website=Crosstree Capital |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> * 2006: Icon acquired outcomes research and health economics specialist, Ovation Research Group<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON Acquires Ovation Research Group |url=https://mergr.com/icon-acquires-ovation-research-group |website=Mergr |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> * 2007: Icon acquired European staffing group, DOCS International<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mansell |first1=Peter |title=ICON acquires clinical research staffer DOCS International |url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/icon_acquires_clinical_research_staffer_docs_international_990399 |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Pharma Times |date=16 July 2007}}</ref> * 2008: Icon acquired US phase I provider, Healthcare Discoveries and US bioanalytical lab, Prevalere Life Sciences<ref>{{cite news |title=ICON Acquires Healthcare Discoveries |url=https://www.contractpharma.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2008-02-12/icon-acquires-healthcare-discoveries/ |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Contract Pharma |date=12 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MacDonald |first1=Gareth |title=Icon boosts bioanalytical presence through Prevalere buy |url=https://www.outsourcing-pharma.com/Article/2008/12/08/Icon-boosts-bioanalytical-presence-through-Prevalere-buy |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Outsourcing Pharma |date=22 October 2009}}</ref> * 2009: Icon acquired Veeda Laboratories, a UK biomarker lab<ref>{{cite news |title=ICON Acquires Veeda Laboratories Ltd. |url=https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/icon-acquires-veeda-laboratories-limited-/ |access-date=8 December 2019 |publisher=Biospace |date=8 December 2008}}</ref> * 2010: Icon acquired Timaq Medical Imaging Inc.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rhea |first1=Shawn |title=Icon acquires Timaq Medical Imaging |url=https://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20100524/NEWS/305249937/icon-acquires-timaq-medical-imaging |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=Modern Healthcare |date=24 May 2010}}</ref> * 2011: Icon acquired Oxford Outcomes, an international health outcomes consultancy and Firecrest Clinical, a technology provider specialising in site performance and study management<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mansell |first1=Peter |title=ICON broadens late-phase expertise with Oxford Outcomes acquisition |url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/icon_broadens_late-phase_expertise_with_oxford_outcomes_acquisition_979762 |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=PharmaTimes |date=18 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lynch |first1=Suzanne |title=Pharmaceutical firm Icon buys Firecrest Clinical for undisclosed sum |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/pharmaceutical-firm-icon-buys-firecrest-clinical-for-undisclosed-sum-1.600569 |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=15 July 2011}}</ref> * 2012: Icon acquired PriceSpective, a global value strategy consultancy and Chinese CRO, BeijingWits<ref>{{cite news |title=ICON-PLC Acquires PriceSpective |url=https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/icon-plc-acquires-b-pricespective-b-/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=Biospace |date=28 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=ICON Acquires BeijingWits Medical Consulting Ltd |url=https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/icon-acquires-b-beijingwits-medical-consulting-ltd-b-/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=BioSpace |date=12 December 2011}}</ref> * 2013: Icon acquired staffing and FSP providers, ClinForce and Assent and Akos, an EU provider of pharmacovigilance and drug safety services<ref>{{cite web |title=DOCS Acquires ClinForce and Assent Consulting |url=https://www.docsglobal.com/insight-events/docs-acquires-clinforce-and-assent-consulting/ |website=DOCS Global |publisher=DOCS |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211024010/https://www.docsglobal.com/insight-events/docs-acquires-clinforce-and-assent-consulting/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mansell |first1=Peter |title=Icon to acquire Cross Country's Clinical Trial Services Division |url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/icon_to_acquire_cross_countrys_clinical_trial_services_division_1004373 |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=PharmaTimes |date=5 February 2013}}</ref> * 2014: Icon acquired Aptiv Solutions, a market leader in adaptive trial design and execution<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mansell |first1=Peter |title=ICON to acquire Aptiv Solutions for US$143.5 million |url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/icon_to_acquire_aptiv_solutions_for_us$143.5_million_1001753 |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=PharmaTimes |date=1 April 2014}}</ref> * 2015: Icon acquired MediMedia Pharma Solutions to enhance market access and scientific communications capabilities, and PMG Research Inc., an integrated network of clinical research sites in the US<ref>{{cite news |title=ICON Completes Acquisition Of MediMedia Pharma Solutions |url=https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/icon-completes-acquisition-of-b-medimedia-pharma-solutions-b-/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=BioSpace |date=2 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=ICON Acquires PMG Research |url=https://www.contractpharma.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2015-12-07/icon-acquires-pmg-research/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=Contract Pharma |date=7 December 2015}}</ref> * 2016: Icon acquired Clinical Research Management Inc., to extend its presence in the government-sponsored research market<ref>{{cite news |title=ICON Completes the Acquisition of Clinical Research Management, Inc. |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160919005486/en/ICON-Completes-Acquisition-Clinical-Research-Management |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=BusinessWire |date=19 September 2016}}</ref> * 2017: Icon acquired MAPI Group, thereby becoming the world's second-largest provider of late-phase services<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON Acquires Mapi Group |url=https://www.healtheconomics.com/industry-news/icon-acquires-mapi-group |website=Health Economics |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211024010/https://www.healtheconomics.com/industry-news/icon-acquires-mapi-group |url-status=dead }}</ref> * 2019: Icon acquired Symphony Clinical Research, a leading provider of at-home patient services and site-support services; MediNova, an integrated network of clinical research sites across EMEA; and MolecularMD, to enhance its laboratory offerings in molecular diagnostic testing and immunohistochemistry<ref>{{cite web |title=Symphony Clinical Research Acquired by ICON |url=https://www.symphonyclinicalresearch.com/2019/10/24/symphony-clinical-research-acquired-by-icon/ |website=Symphony Clinical Research |access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=ICON's Acquisition of MeDiNova Research |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2019-05-23/icon-s-acquisition-of-medinova-research |website=Bloomberg |date=23 May 2019 |access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pennic |first1=Fred |title=ICON Acquires Precision Medicine for Oncology Company MolecularMD |url=https://hitconsultant.net/2019/02/21/icon-acquires-molecularmd/#.XfAl3JNKiqB |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=HIT Consultant |date=21 February 2019}}</ref> * 2020: Icon acquired MedPass International, a leading European medical device CRO, regulatory and reimbursement consultancy<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON Acquires MedPass International |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2020-02-19/icon-acquires-medpass-international |website=Bloomberg. |access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> * 2021: Icon acquired PRA Health Sciences, a competitor offering clinical research services, for US$12 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, PRA shareholders will own approximately 34 percent of the shares of the combined company and Icon shareholders will own approximately 66 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-24|title=ICON to Acquire PRA Health Sciences, Creating a World Leader in Healthcare Intelligence and Clinical Research|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210224005484/en/ICON-to-Acquire-PRA-Health-Sciences-Creating-a-World-Leader-in-Healthcare-Intelligence-and-Clinical-Research|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Parsons|first=Lucy|date=2021-02-26|title=ICON to acquire PRA Health Sciences in $12bn deal|url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/icon_to_acquire_pra_health_sciences_in_$12bn_deal_1364225|access-date=2021-10-19|website=PharmaTimes|language=en}}</ref>
==Finances== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Revenue <br />(in thousands USD) !! Net Income <br />(in thousands USD) !! Total Assets <br />(in thousands USD) !! Employees <br />(k) |- | 2020<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON plc Annual Form 20-F Report 2020 |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001060955/000106095521000004/iclr-20201231.htm |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=21 April 2025 |date=24 February 2021}}</ref> || 2,797,288 || 332,964 || 3,435,606 || 15,730 |- | 2021<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON plc Annual Form 20-F Report 2021 |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001060955/000106095522000005/iclr-20211231.htm |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=21 April 2025 |date=1 March 2022}}</ref> || 5,480,826 || 153,185 || 17,387,090 || 38,330 |- | 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON plc Annual Form 20-F Report 2022 |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001060955/000106095523000007/iclr-20221231.htm |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=21 April 2025 |date=24 February 2023}}</ref> || 7,741,386 || 505,304 || 17,185,278 || 41,100 |- | 2023<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON plc Annual Form 20-F Report 2023 |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001060955/000106095524000010/iclr-20231231.htm |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=21 April 2025 |date=23 February 2024}}</ref> || 8,120,176 || 612,335 || 16,989,863 || 41,100 |- | 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=ICON plc Annual Form 20-F Report 2024 |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001060955/000106095525000016/iclr-20241231.htm#i70380bb88cac48169f2186a4a94094c5_130 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=21 April 2025 |date=21 February 2025}}</ref> || 8,281,676 || 705,051 || 16,877,678 || 41,900 |}
==See also== *List of companies of Ireland
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.iconplc.com}} * {{Finance links | name = ICON PLC | symbol = ICLR | sec_cik = 1060955 | google = ICLR:NASDAQ | yahoo = ICLR }}
{{Contract research organization}} {{KKR}} {{authority control}}
Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq Category:Pharmaceutical companies of Ireland Category:Irish companies established in 1990 Category:KKR & Co. companies Category:Pharmaceutical companies established in 1990 Category:Contract research organizations