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Company history

From a small team of 5 in 1990 to almost 40,000 employees in 75+ locations in 40+ countries

Founded in 1990, in Dublin, Ireland with a small team of five, ICON now employs almost 40,000 employees in 75+ locations in 40+ 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:

  • 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.

  • 2023

    ICON acquires Philips Pharma Solutions, a leading provider of medical imaging and cardiac safety monitoring services.

  • 2021

    ICON acquires PRA Health Sciences, creating the most advanced healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation in the world

  • 2020

    ICON acquires MedPass International, a leading European medical device CRO, regulatory and reimbursement consultancy

  • 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

  • 2017

    ICON acquires MAPI Group to become world’s 2nd largest provider of late phase services

  • 2016

    ICON acquires Clinical Research Management Inc. to extend presence in the government sponsored research market

  • 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

  • 2014

    ICON acquires Aptiv Solutions, a market leader in adaptive trial design and execution

  • 2013

    ICON acquires staffing and FSP providers, ClinForce and Assent

    ICON acquires Akos, an EU Provider of Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Services

  • 2012

    ICON acquires PriceSpective, a global value strategy consultancy

    ICON acquires Chinese CRO, BeijingWits

  • 2011

    ICON acquires Oxford Outcomes, an international health outcomes consultancy

    ICON acquires Firecrest Clinical, a technology provider specialising in site performance and study management

  • 2010

    ICON acquires Timaq Medical Imaging Inc.

  • 2009

    ICON acquires Veeda Laboratories, a UK Biomarker Lab

  • 2008

    ICON acquires US Phase I Provider Healthcare Discoveries

    ICON acquires US Bioanalytical Lab, Prevalere Life Sciences

  • 2007

    ICON acquires European staffing group, DOCS International

  • 2006

    ICON acquires Outcomes Research and Health Economics specialist, Ovation Research Group

  • 2005

    ICON opens first Indian office in Chennai

  • 2004

    ICON acquires medical imaging specialist, Beacon Bioscience Inc.

  • 2003

    ICON acquires Medeval, a UK-based Phase I facility

    ICON acquires US consulting firm, Globomax

  • 2002

    ICON acquires staffing group, Managed Clinical Solutions

    ICON opens first African office in South Africa

    ICON acquires clinical research provider, BPA

  • 2000

    ICON acquires UK-based regulatory consultancy, YRCR Ltd.

    ICON acquires Central Laboratory in New York

    ICON acquires bioanalytical consultancy, Pacific Research

  • 1999

    ICON opens its first Middle East office in Israel

  • 1998

    ICON begins trading on the Nasdaq exchange

    ICON opens its first South American office in Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • 1997

    ICON’s Hans Werner Voss conducts world’s first Adaptive Clinical Trial for an asthma study

  • 1996

    ICON opens its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan

  • 1995

    ICON opens its first office in Germany

  • 1992

    ICON opens its first US office in Philadelphia

  • 1991

    ICON opens its first overseas office in Winchester, UK