FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of July 2007
ICON plc
(Registrant's name)
0-29714
(Commission file number)
South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland.
(Address of principal executive offices)
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registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82 N/A
ICON Acquires DOCS International, Expanding Its
Contract Staffing Footprint into Europe
DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 12, 2007--ICON (NASDAQ:
ICLR), a global provider of outsourced development services to the
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, today
announced the acquisition of DOCS International, a leading European
based clinical research staffing organisation, for a cash
consideration of approximately $40 million.
DOCS International, which operates in eight European countries,
focuses on the training and supply of contract and permanent clinical
research personnel to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
"The acquisition of DOCS International gives ICON a significant
presence in the European clinical research staffing market and creates
a strong platform which we can leverage for future expansion. Their
experienced management team will bring a wealth of experience in the
European market to ICON" commented ICON CEO Peter Gray.
DOCS International will be integrated with ICON's existing US
based staffing business, ICON Contracting Solutions, to form a global
business unit. "This will enable ICON to meet the requirements of
sponsors for more flexibility when they run clinical projects
internally, and give them access to a global pool of talent through
one vendor" added Sean Leech, newly appointed President of the
expanded ICON Contracting Solutions business unit.
Pim van de Riet, CEO of DOCS International added "We are delighted
to be joining forces with ICON. Our combined knowledge and commitment
to the clinical research staffing market will allow us to continue to
attract, assess and place talented individuals and teams at all levels
of experience on a global basis".
About ICON plc
ICON plc is a global provider of outsourced development services
to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries.
The Company specializes in the strategic development, management and
analysis of programs that support clinical development - from compound
selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. ICON teams have successfully
conducted over 1,900 development projects and over 2,300 consultancy
engagements across all major therapeutic areas. ICON currently has
approximately 4,800 employees, operating from 53 locations in 31
countries.
About DOCS International
Founded in 1997, DOCS International is devoted to providing
Staffing Solutions to the Healthcare Industry. These solutions are
designed to meet the requirements of both corporate healthcare
organisations and individual healthcare professionals.
CONTACT: ICON plc
Investor Relations, 1-888-381-7923
or
Ciaran Murray, CFO, + 353 -1-291-2000Release
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ICON plc
Date July 12, 2007 /s/ Ciaran Murray
---------------------------------
Ciaran Murray
Chief Financial Officer