ICON Acquires European Staffing Firm

Icon has acquired DOCS International, a European clinical research staffing organization, for approximately $40 million in cash. DOCS operates in eight countries and focuses on the training and supply of contract and permanent clinical research personnel to the pharma/biopharma industries.

“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,” said Icon’s chief executive officer, Peter Gray.

DOCS will be integrated with Icon’s existing U.S. 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,” noted Sean Leech, newly appointed president of the expanded business unit.

Pim van de Riet, DOCS’ chief executive officer, remarked, “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”.