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ICON Public Company

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FY2009 Annual Report · ICON Public Company
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ICON plc and Subsidiaries

Annual Report 2009
Registered number 145835

24 hours in  
the life of ICON

No matter the hour of the day there’s an ICON expert 
somewhere around the world working to deliver results.

Directors’ Report and Consolidated Financial Statements

Contents	

Directors and Other Information 

Directors’ Report 

Report on Directors’ Remuneration 

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Statement of Accounting Policies 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Company Statement of Financial Position 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Company Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 

Reconciliation between IFRS and US Accounting Principles 

Page

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3

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40

41

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43

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108

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



 
ICON plc and Subsidiaries 

Directors and Other Information

Directors 

Secretary 

Registered	office 

Auditors 

Bankers 

Solicitors 

Dr. Bruce Given (American-Chairman of the Board) (2) (3) (4)
Peter Gray (Irish-Chief Executive Officer) (4)
Dr. John Climax (Irish – Non-Executive)
Dr. Ronan Lambe (Irish – Non-Executive) (5)
Thomas Lynch (British – Non-Executive) (1) (2) (3)
Prof. Dermot Kelleher (Irish – Non-Executive) (1) (5)
Dr. Anthony Murphy (Irish – Non-Executive) (2) (3)
Declan McKeon (Irish – Non-Executive) (1)

(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Compensation and Organisation Committee
(3) Member of Nominating and Governance Committee
(4) Member of Execution Committee
(5) Member of Quality Committee

Ciaran Murray

South County Business Park
Leopardstown
Dublin 18

KPMG
Chartered Accountants
1 Stokes Place
St. Stephens Green
Dublin 2

Citibank
Canada Square
Canary Warf
London E14 5LB
United Kingdom

PNC Bank
1035 Virginia Drive
Fort Washington
PA 19034
USA

A & L Goodbody
25 – 28 North Wall Quay
IFSC
Dublin 1

Cahill Gordon Reindel & Co
80 Pine Street
New York 
USA



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

The Directors present their report and audited Consolidated and Company financial statements of ICON p.l.c. (“the 
Company” or “ICON”), a public limited company incorporated in the Republic of Ireland, and its subsidiary 
undertakings (“the Subsidiaries”, with the Company and the Subsidiaries being together “the Group”) for the year 
ended 31 December 2009.

Principal	activities,	business	review	and	future	developments

The Group is a contract research organisation (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global 
basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The Group specialises in the strategic 
development, management and analysis of programs that support Clinical Development - from compound selection 
to Phase I-IV clinical studies. The Group believes that it is one of a small number of CRO’s with the capability and 
expertise to conduct clinical trials in all major therapeutic areas on a global basis.

The Group operates offices in 69 locations in 39 countries worldwide.

The Company’s primary listing for its shares is the NASDAQ market. The Company also has a secondary listing on 
the Irish Stock Exchange and, accordingly, is not subject to the same ongoing regulatory requirements as those 
which would apply to an Irish company with a primary listing on the Irish Stock Exchange, including the 
requirement that certain transactions require the approval of shareholders. For further information, shareholders 
should consult their own financial adviser.

On 9 July 2009, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital of Veeda Laboratories Limited, a specialist 
provider of biomarker laboratory services to the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries located in 
Oxford, United Kingdom, for an initial cash consideration of $1.9 million (£1.2 million).

On 28 April 2009, the Group acquired the assets of the former Qualia Clinical Services, Inc., a 33,000 square foot 
Phase 1 facility located in Omaha, Nebraska, for $0.3 million.

In 2010, the Group looks forward to increasing its geographic presence through the addition of new offices and 
expanding the scale and range of its service offering. A review of performance during the year is included in the 
Operating and Financial Review section of the Directors’ Report.

International	Financial	Reporting	Standards

These Consolidated and Company financial statements (together “the financial statements”) for the year ended 31 
December 2009 are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and meet the reporting requirements 
pursuant to Irish Company Law and the Irish Stock Exchange Listing Rules.

Results	and	dividends

The results for the year are as shown on page 40 of these financial statements. The Directors do not propose the 
payment of a dividend for the year.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Risks	and	uncertainties

The Group is dependent on the continued outsourcing of research and development by the pharmaceutical, 
biotechnology and medical device industries.

The Group is dependent upon the ability and willingness of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device 
companies to continue to spend on research and development and to outsource the services that the Group 
provides. The Group is therefore subject to risks, uncertainties and trends that affect companies in these industries. 
ICON has benefited to date from the tendency of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies to 
outsource clinical research projects. Any downturn in these industries or reduction in spending or outsourcing 
could adversely affect the Group’s business. For example, if these companies expanded upon their in-house 
clinical or development capabilities, they would be less likely to utilise the Group’s services. In addition, if 
governmental regulations were changed, this could affect the ability of ICON’s clients to operate profitably, which 
may lead to a decrease in research spending and therefore this could have a material adverse effect on the 
Group’s business.

The current economic and financial downturn may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business 
and/or results.

Many of the world’s largest economies and financial institutions are facing extreme financial difficulty, including a 
decline in asset prices, liquidity problems and limited availability of credit. It is still uncertain how long this 
downturn will last. Such difficult economic times may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s revenues, 
results of operations, financial condition and ability to raise capital.

Increased deliberation by clients of contract proposals may impact the Group’s ability to win sufficient new 
business awards, which may result in decreased revenues.

Current and prospective clients have become increasingly deliberate when making decisions on whether to use the 
Group’s services. While requests for proposals continue to be circulated, clients are taking longer in their decisions 
to award clinical research projects. An inability to attract sufficient new business awards could have a material 
effect on the Group’s revenues, backlog and result of operations.

The Group depends on a limited number of clients and a loss of or significant decrease in business from 
them could affect its business.

The Group has in the past and may in the future derive a significant portion of its revenue from a relatively limited 
number of projects or clients. During the years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008, 27% and 29% 
respectively of revenue was derived from the Group’s top five clients. No client contributed more than 10% of 
revenue during the years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008. The loss of, or a significant decrease 
in business from, one or more of these key clients could result in a material adverse effect.

The Group competes against many companies and research institutions that may be larger or more efficient 
than it is. This may preclude the Group from being given the opportunity to bid, or may prevent it from being 
able to competitively bid on and win new contracts.

The market for CROs is highly competitive. ICON primarily competes against in-house departments of 
pharmaceutical companies and other CROs including Covance Inc., i3 Research (United Health Group 
Incorporated), Kendle International Inc., Omnicare Inc., PAREXEL International Corporation, Pharmaceutical 
Product Development Inc., PharmaNet Development Group Inc., PRA International Inc. and Quintiles Transnational 
Corporation. Some of these competitors have substantially greater capital, research and development capabilities 
and human resources than the Group has. As a result, they may be selected as preferred vendors or partners of 
the Group’s clients or potential clients for all projects or for significant projects, or they may be able to price 
projects more competitively than the Group can. Any of these factors may prevent the Group from getting the 
opportunity to bid on new projects or prevent it from being competitive in bidding on new contracts.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

The Group’s results are dependent upon a number of factors and can fluctuate from period to period.

The Group’s results of operations in any period can fluctuate depending upon, among other things, the number 
and scope of ongoing client projects, the commencement, postponement, variation, cancellation or termination of 
projects in the period, the mix of revenue, cost overruns, employee hiring and other factors. Revenue in any period 
is directly related to the number of employees and the percentage of these employees who were working on 
projects billable to the clients during that period. The Group may be unable to compensate for periods of 
underutilisation during one part of a fiscal period by augmenting revenues during another part of that period. The 
Group believes that operating results for any particular period are not necessarily a meaningful indication of future 
results.

If the Group’s clients discontinue using its services, or cancel or discontinue projects, revenue will be 
adversely affected and ICON may not receive these clients’ business in the future or may not be able to 
attract new clients.

The Group’s clients may discontinue using its services completely or cancel some projects either without notice or 
upon short notice. The termination or delay of a large contract or of multiple contracts could have a material 
adverse effect on revenue and profitability. Historically, clients have cancelled or discontinued projects and may in 
the future cancel their contracts for reasons including:

n	

the failure of products being tested to satisfy safety or efficacy requirements;

n	 unexpected or undesired clinical results of the product;

n	 a decision that a particular study is no longer necessary;

n	 poor project performance, quality concerns, insufficient patient enrolment or investigator recruitment; or

n	 production problems resulting in shortages of the drug.

If the Group loses clients, it may not be able to attract new ones, and if the Group loses individual projects, it may 
not be able to replace them.

Approximately 55% of revenue is earned from long-term fixed-fee contracts. The Group would lose money in 
performing these contracts if the costs of performance exceed the fixed fees for these projects.

Approximately 55% of revenue is earned from long-term fixed-fee contracts. Revenues on these contracts 
are agreed on contract initiation between the Company and the customer and are based on estimated time inputs 
to the contract.  Factors considered in estimating time requirements include the complexity of the study, the 
number of geographical sites where trials are to be conducted and the number of patients to be recruited at each 
site. The Company regularly reviews the estimated hours on each contract to determine if the budget accurately 
reflects the agreed tasks to be performed taking into account the state of progress at the time of review.  The 
Company further ensures that changes in scope are appropriately monitored and change orders for additional 
revenue are promptly negotiated for the additional work.  If we were to fail to recognise and negotiate change 
orders for changes in the resources required or the scope of the work to be performed, the Company could lose 
money if the costs of performance of these contracts exceeded their fixed fees.

If the Group fails to attract or retain qualified staff, its performance may suffer.

The Group’s business, future success and ability to expand operations depends upon its ability to attract, hire, train 
and retain qualified professional, scientific and technical operating staff. The Group competes for qualified 
professionals with other CROs, temporary staffing agencies and the in-house departments of pharmaceutical, 
biotechnology and medical device companies. Although the Group has not had any difficulty attracting or retaining 
qualified staff in the past, there is no guarantee that it will be able to continue to attract a sufficient number of 
clinical research professionals at an acceptable cost.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

The Group is highly dependent on information technology. If the Group’s systems fail or are unreliable its 
operations may be adversely impacted.

The efficient operation of the Group’s business depends on its information technology infrastructure and 
management information systems. The Group’s information technology infrastructure includes both third party 
solutions and applications designed and maintained internally. Since the Group operates on multiple platforms, the 
failure of its information technology infrastructure and/or management information systems to perform could 
severely disrupt business and adversely affect the results of operation. In addition, the Group’s information 
technology infrastructure and/or management information systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from 
natural or man-made disasters, terrorist attacks, computer viruses or hackers, power loss, or other computer 
systems, Internet telecommunications or data network failures. Any such interruption could adversely affect 
business and the results of operations.

Failure to comply with the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory 
authorities could result in substantial penalties and/or loss of business.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and other regulatory authorities inspect the Group from time to 
time to ensure that it complies with their regulations and guidelines, including environmental and health and safety 
matters. In addition, ICON must comply with the applicable regulatory requirements governing the conduct of 
clinical trials in all countries in which it operates. If the Group fails to comply with any of these requirements it could 
suffer:

n	

n	

n	

n	

the termination of any research;

loss of business;

the disqualification of data; 

the denial of the right to conduct business;

n	 criminal penalties; and

n	 other enforcement actions.

In December 2009, the Company received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
regarding clinical study management services provided by the Group to one of its clients in relation to two studies 
conducted between 2004 and 2006. These studies related to the development of an antibiotic for the treatment of 
complicated skin and skin-structure infections. The FDA letter arises from its inspections of the Company’s client 
and selected clinical sites and follows a similar letter issued to that client. The Company submitted a response to 
the FDA on 13 January 2010. The Company is committed to working cooperatively and expeditiously with the FDA 
to address the matters raised in the letter and is unable to predict at this time the financial consequences, if any, of 
the issues raised by the letter.

The Group may lose business as a result of changes in the regulatory environment.

Various governments and/or regulatory bodies throughout the world may enact legislation which could introduce 
changes to the regulatory environment for drug development and research. The adoption and implementation of 
such legislation is difficult to predict and therefore could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business.

ICON relies on third parties for important services.

The Group depends on third parties to provide it with services critical to its business. The failure of any of these 
third parties to adequately provide the needed services could have a material adverse effect on its business.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

The Group’s exposure to exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect its results of operations.

The Group’s contracts with its clients are sometimes denominated in currencies other than the currency in which it 
incurs expenses related to such contracts. Where expenses are incurred in currencies other than those in which 
contracts are priced, fluctuations in the relative value of those currencies could have a material adverse effect on 
the Group’s results of operations. This risk is partially mitigated by clauses in certain of its contracts which allow for 
price renegotiation with its clients if changes in the relative value of those currencies exceed predetermined 
tolerances. The Group regularly reviews its currency exchange exposure and on occasion hedge a portion of this 
exposure using forward exchange contracts.

In addition, the Group is also subject to translation exposures as its consolidated financial results are presented in 
U.S. dollars, while the local results of certain of its subsidiaries are prepared in currencies other than U.S. dollars, 
including the pound sterling and the euro. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and 
those other currencies will affect the translation of a subsidiary’s financial results into U.S. dollars for purposes of 
reporting its consolidated financial results.

We are subject to political, regulatory and legal risks associated with our international operations.  

We are one of a small group of organisations with the capability and expertise to conduct clinical trials on a global 
basis. We believe that this capability to provide our services globally in most major and developing pharmaceutical 
markets enhances our ability to compete for new business from large multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology 
and medical device companies. We have expanded geographically and operate from 69 locations in 39 countries 
and intend to continue expanding in regions that have the potential to increase our client base or increase our 
investigator and patient populations. We expect that revenues earned in emerging markets will continue to account 
for an increasing portion of our total revenues. However, emerging market operations may present several risks, 
including civil disturbances, health concerns, cultural differences such as employment and business practices, 
volatility in gross domestic product, economic and governmental instability, the potential for nationalisation of 
private assets and the imposition of exchange controls.

Changes in the political and regulatory environment in the international markets in which we operate such as price 
or exchange controls could impact our revenue and profitability, and could lead to penalties, sanctions and 
reputational damages if we are not compliant with those regulations. Political uncertainty and a lack of institutional 
continuity in some of the emerging and developing countries in which we operate could affect the orderly operation 
of markets in these economies. In addition, in countries with a large and complicated structure of government and 
administration, national, regional, local and other governmental bodies may issue inconsistent decisions and 
opinions that could increase our cost of regulatory compliance.

In addition, the uncertainty of the legal environment in some emerging countries could limit our ability to enforce 
our rights. In certain emerging and developing countries we enjoy less comprehensive protection for some of our 
rights, including intellectual property rights, which could undermine our competitive position. Finally, we operate in 
some countries where national laws may require not only accurate books and records, but also sufficient controls, 
policies and processes to ensure business is conducted without the influence of bribery and corruption. Given the 
high level of complexity of these laws, however, there is a risk that some provisions may be inadvertently breached, 
for example through negligent behaviour of individual employees, our failure to comply with certain formal 
documentation requirements or otherwise. Any violation of these laws or allegations of such violations, whether or 
not merited, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and could cause the trading price of our 
ordinary shares and ADSs to decline.

If any of the above risks or similar risks associated with our international operations were to materialise, our results 
of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Liability claims brought against the Group could result in payment of substantial damages to plaintiffs and 
decrease Group profitability.

The Group contracts with physicians who serve as investigators in conducting clinical trials to test new drugs on 
their patients. This testing creates the risk of liability for personal injury to or death of patients. Although 
investigators are generally required by law to maintain their own liability insurance, the Group could be named in 
lawsuits and incur expenses arising from any professional malpractice actions against the investigators with whom 
it contracts. To date, the Group has not been subject to any liability claims that are expected to have a material 
effect on it.

Indemnifications provided by the Group’s clients against the risk of liability for personal injury to or death of patients 
vary from client to client and from trial to trial and may not be sufficient in scope or amount or the providers may 
not have the financial ability to fulfil their indemnification obligations. Furthermore, the Group would be liable for its 
own negligence and that of its employees.

In addition, the Group maintains an appropriate level of worldwide Professional Liability/Error and Omissions 
Insurance. The amount of coverage the Group maintains depends upon the nature of the trial. The Group may in 
the future be unable to maintain or continue its current insurance coverage on the same or similar terms. If it is 
liable for a claim that is beyond the level of or outside the scope of insurance coverage, it may be responsible for 
paying all or part of any award.

The Group may lose business opportunities as a result of health care reform and the expansion of managed 
care organisations.

Numerous governments, including the U.S. government and governments outside of the U.S. have undertaken 
efforts to control growing health care costs through legislation, regulation and voluntary agreements with medical 
care providers and drug companies. If these efforts are successful, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical 
device companies may react by spending less on research and development and therefore this could have a 
material adverse effect on the Group’s business.

In addition to healthcare reform proposals, the expansion of managed care organisations in the healthcare market 
may result in reduced spending on research and development. Managed care organisations’ efforts to cut costs by 
limiting expenditures on pharmaceuticals and medical devices could result in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and 
medical device companies spending less on research and development. If this were to occur, the Group would 
have fewer business opportunities and its revenues could decrease, possibly materially.

The Group may make acquisitions in the future, which may lead to disruptions to its ongoing business.

The Group has made a number of acquisitions and will continue to review new acquisition opportunities. If it is 
unable to successfully integrate an acquired company, the acquisition could lead to disruptions to the business. 
The success of an acquisition will depend upon, among other things, the Company’s ability to:

n	 assimilate the operations and services or products of the acquired company;

n	

n	

n	

integrate acquired personnel;

retain and motivate key employees;

retain customers; and

n	 minimise the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns.

Acquisitions of foreign companies may also involve additional risks, including assimilating differences in foreign 
business practices and overcoming language and cultural barriers. In the event that the operations of an acquired 
business do not meet the Group’s performance expectations, it may have to restructure the acquired business or 
write-off the value of some or all of the assets or goodwill of the acquired business.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

The Group may not be able to successfully develop and market or acquire new services.

The Group may seek to develop and market new services that complement or expand its existing business or 
expand its service offerings through acquisition. If the Group is unable to develop new services and/or create 
demand for those newly developed services, or expand its service offerings through acquisition, its future business, 
results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Failure to raise sufficient finance may affect our ability to sustain future development of the business

The Group has financed its operations and growth since inception primarily with cash flows from operations, 
proceeds from its initial public offering in May 1998, its second public offering in August 2003 and borrowings as 
applicable. Although the Group has not had difficulty in raising finance in the past, there is no guarantee that it will 
be able to raise sufficient capital, at an appropriate cost to the Company, to sustain future development of the 
business.

The Group relies on its interactive voice response systems to provide accurate information regarding the 
randomisation of patients and the dosage required for patients enrolled in the trials.

The Group develops and maintains computer run interactive voice response systems to automatically manage the 
randomisation of patients in trials, assign study drug, and adjust the dosage when required for patients enrolled in 
trials it supports. An error in the design, programming or validation of these systems could lead to inappropriate 
assignment or dosing of patients which could give rise to patient safety issues, invalidation of the trial, liability 
claims against the Company or all three.

The Group relies on various control measures to mitigate the risk of a serious adverse event resulting from 
healthy volunteer Phase I trials.

The Group conducts healthy volunteer Phase I trials including first-into-man trials. Due to the experimental nature of 
these studies, serious adverse events may arise. The Group mitigates such events by following Good Clinical 
Practice and ensuring appropriately trained and experienced clinical physicians are managing these trials and that 
internal Standard Operating Procedures and client protocols are rigorously adhered to. The Group also ensures 
that a signed contract is in place with the client in advance of clinical dosing with appropriate indemnifications and 
insurance coverage. The Group maintains its own clinical trial insurance. Following internal review and submission, 
an Independent Ethics Committee, approves the study protocol and appropriate approval is obtained from the 
relevant regulatory body.

Operating	and	Financial	Review

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain financial data as a percentage of revenue and the 
percentage change in these items compared to the prior period, being the key performance indicators used by 
management. The trends illustrated in the following table may not be indicative of future results.

Year	ended	
	December
00

Year	ended	
	December
00

As	a	percentage	of	revenue

Percentage	change	in	period

Revenue

Direct costs

Other operating expenses

One-time net charges

Operating profit

100%

57.3%

29.5%

1.0%

12.2%

100%

56.7%

33.4%

-

9.9%

2.6%

3.6%

(9.3%)

100%

26.4%

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Year	ended		December	00	compared	to	Year	ended		December	00

Revenue increased by $22.4 million, or 2.6%, from $865.2 million to $887.6 million. For the year ended 31 
December 2009, the Group derived approximately 46.0%, 45.4% and 8.6% of revenue in the United States, Europe 
and Rest of World, respectively. The rate of increase in revenue has reduced over prior periods primarily as a result 
of the global economic downturn, its impact on market confidence and the availability of funding for drug 
development.

Direct costs increased by $17.8 million, or 3.6%, from $490.7 million to $508.5 million. Direct costs as a percentage 
of revenue increased from 56.7% in the year ended 31 December 2008 to 57.3% for the year ended 31 December 
2009. Direct costs consist primarily of compensation, associated fringe benefits and share based compensation 
expense for project-related employees and other direct project driven costs. This increase was primarily due to 
increased salary and related costs of $15.7 million for project related employees, increased laboratory expenses of 
$1.6 million and an increase in other direct project related costs of $6.5 million. These increases were offset by a 
reduction in travel costs for project related employees of $5.2 million.

Other operating expenses decreased by $26.9 million, or 9.3%, from $289.0 million to $262.2 million. As a 
percentage of revenue, other operating expenses decreased from 33.4% in the year ended 31 December 2008 to 
29.5% for the year ended 31 December 2009. Other operating expenses consist of compensation, related fringe 
benefits and share based compensation expense for selling and administrative employees, professional service 
costs, advertising costs and all costs related to facilities and information systems, including depreciation. The 
decrease in other operating expenses is primarily driven by decreases of $7.0 million in personnel related costs, 
comprising salary and travel costs for selling, general and administrative employees and recruitment expenditure. 
Facility and information system costs decreased by $2.1 million, principally as a result of a reduction in utility costs 
and support and maintenance costs. The remainder of the decrease arises from a decrease in other overhead 
costs.

One-time net charges of $8.8 million have been recognised during the year ended 31 December 2009. In response 
to the globalisation of clinical studies and its attendant impact on resources in existing and emerging markets, the 
Company conducted a review during 2009 of its existing infrastructure to better align its resources with the needs 
of its clients. This realignment has resulted in resource rationalisations in certain more mature markets and the 
recognition of a restructuring charge of $13.3 million in the second quarter of 2009. This was offset by research 
and development incentives of $4.5 million received by the Company in certain European Union jurisdictions in 
which it operates.

Operating profit for the year increased by $22.6 million, or 26.4%, from $85.6 million for the year ended 31 
December 2008 to $108.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. As a percentage of revenue, operating 
profit increased from 9.9% of revenue for the year ended 31 December 2008, to 12.2% for the year ended 31 
December 2009. Excluding the impact of one-time net charges recognised during the year, operating profit as a 
percentage of revenue increased from 9.9% for the year ended 31 December 2008, to 13.2% for the year ended 31 
December 2009.

Net financing expense for the year ended 31 December 2009 was $4.3 million, compared with a net finance 
expense of $1.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2008. Financing expense increased from $4.9 million for 
the year ended 31 December 2008, to $5.8 million on the year ended 31 December 2009. Financing expense for 
the year ended 31 December 2009 comprised foreign exchange losses on bank loans of $1.6 million, interest on 
bank overdrafts and credit facilities of $3.5 million, pension costs of $0.7 million and finance lease interest of $0.1 
million. Financing income decreased $2.5 million for the year ended 31 December 2008 to $1.5m for the year 
ended 31 December 2009. Financing income for the year ended 31 December 2009 comprised return on pension 
assets of $0.7 million and interest receivable on surplus cash balances and current asset investments of $0.8 
million.

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

Year	ended		December	00	compared	to	Year	ended		December	00	(continued)

The provision for income taxes decreased from $19.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2008, to $11.2 
million for the year ended 31 December 2009. The Group’s effective tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2009 
was 10.8% compared with 23.6% for the year ended 31 December 2008. The decrease in the effective tax rate 
during the period arose principally from corporation tax refunds arising from research and development tax credits 
received in certain European Union jurisdictions. The Group recognised a net benefit of $10.6 million in its 2009 tax 
charge for research and development tax credits relating to previous years, but received in 2009. Excluding the 
impact of these research and development tax credits recognised during the period, the Group’s effective tax rate 
decreased from 23.6% for the year ended 31 December 2008, to 20.2% for the year ended 31 December 2009.

Liquidity	and	capital	resources

The CRO industry generally is not capital intensive. The Group’s principal operating cash needs are payment of 
salaries, office rents, travel expenditures and payments to investigators. Investing activities primarily reflect capital 
expenditures for facilities, information systems enhancements, the purchase of current asset investments and 
acquisitions.

The Group’s clinical research and development contracts comprise both fixed price and variable component 
contracts and range in duration from a few weeks to several years. Revenue from contracts is generally recognised 
as income on the basis of the relationship between time incurred and the total estimated contract duration or on a 
fee-for-service basis. The cash flow from contracts typically consists of a down payment of between 10% and 20% 
paid at the time the contract is entered into, with the balance paid in instalments over the contract’s duration, or in 
some cases on the achievement of certain milestones. Accordingly, cash receipts do not correspond to costs 
incurred and revenue recognised on contracts.

Net cash at 31 December 2009 amounted to $193.6 million compared with net debt of $5.0 million at 31 December 
2008. Net cash at 31 December 2009 comprised cash and cash equivalents of $144.8 million and current 
investments of $49.2 million less finance lease obligations of $0.5 million. Net debt at 31 December 2008 
comprised cash and cash equivalents of $58.4 million, current asset investments of $42.7 million, less bank credit 
lines and loan facilities of $105.4 million and finance lease obligations of $0.7 million. Additional borrowings 
available to the Group under negotiated facilities at 31 December 2009 amounted to $162.5 million compared with 
$55.6 million at 31 December 2008.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $255.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2009, compared with 
cash provided by operating activities of $81.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2008. The Group’s working 
capital, comprising total current assets less total current liabilities, at 31 December 2009 amounted to $204.2 
million, compared to $166.7 million at 31 December 2008. The most significant influence on our working capital 
and operating cash flow is revenue outstanding, which comprises accounts receivable and unbilled revenue, less 
payments on account. The dollar values of these amounts and the related days revenue outstanding can vary due 
to the achievement of contractual milestones, including contract signing, and the timing of cash receipts. The 
number of days revenue outstanding was 33 days at 31 December 2009 and 70 days at 31 December 2008. The 
decrease in the number of days revenue outstanding at 31 December 2009 resulted from improved working capital 
management during the period.

Net cash used in investing activities was $65.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2009, compared to $117.4 
million for the year ended 31 December 2008. Net cash used in the year ended 31 December 2009 arises 
principally from capital expenditure, payments for purchase of subsidiary undertakings, and purchase of short-term 
investments, offset by the sale of short-term investments.

Capital expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2009, amounted to $33.8 million, and comprised mainly of 
expenditure on global infrastructure and information technology systems to support the Company’s growth and 
expenditure on the expansion of its central laboratory facility in Dublin, Republic of Ireland. During the year ended 
31 December 2008, the Company completed the expansion of its office facility in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Liquidity	and	capital	resources	(continued)

Cash paid on acquisitions during the year ended 31 December 2009, amounted to $25.9 million, being cash paid 
for the acquisition of the remaining 30% of the common stock of Beacon Biosciences of $17.8 million, $5.9 million 
relating to the acquisition of Prevalere Lifesciences, $0.3 million relating to the acquisition of the assets of the 
former Qualia Clinical Services and $1.9 million relating to the acquisition of Veeda Laboratories Limited. An 
additional $24.1 million of surplus cash balances were invested in current asset investments during the year, offset 
by $17.5 million realised during the year from the sale of current asset investments.

Net cash used by financing activities during the year ended 31 December 2009, amounted to $105.1 million 
compared with net cash provided of $22.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2008. During the year ended 31 
December 2009, the Company drew down additional borrowings of $17.4 million. This was offset by the repayment 
of $127.0 million of borrowings during the year. At 31 December 2009, all borrowings previously drawn under 
negotiated facilities had been repaid in full.

As a result of these cash flows, cash and cash equivalents increased by $84.3 million for the year ended 31 
December 2009, compared to a decrease of $13.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2008.

On 9 July 2007, ICON entered into a five year committed multi-currency facility agreement for €35 million ($50.2 
million) with Bank of Ireland. The facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to EURIBOR plus a margin and is 
secured by certain composite guarantees, indemnities and pledges in favour of the bank. At 31 December 2009, 
€26.2 million ($37.5 million) was available to be drawn under this facility.

On 22 December 2008, a committed three year US dollar credit facility was negotiated with Allied Irish Bank plc for 
$50 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain composite guarantees and 
pledges in favour of the bank. As at 31 December 2009, $50 million was available to be drawn under this facility.

On 2 January 2009, an additional four year committed credit facility was negotiated with Bank of Ireland for $25 
million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain composite guarantees, 
indemnities and pledges in favour of the bank. As at 31 December 2009, $25 million was available to be drawn 
under this facility.

On 29 May 2009, committed credit facilities were negotiated with Citibank Europe for $20 million. The facilities 
comprise a 364 day facility of $10 million and a three year facility of $10 million. On the same day, a committed 364 
day credit facility of $30 million was negotiated with JP Morgan. These facilities bear interest at LIBOR plus a 
margin and are secured by certain composite guarantees and pledges in favour of the banks. As at 31 December 
2009, $50 million was available to be drawn under these facilities.

On 1 July 2004, the Company acquired 70% of the common stock of Beacon Biosciences Inc. (“Beacon”), a 
leading specialist CRO, which provides a range of medical imaging services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology 
and medical device industries, for an initial cash consideration of $9.9 million, excluding costs of acquisition. On 31 
December 2008, the remaining 30% of the common stock was acquired by the Company for $17.4 million, 
excluding costs of acquisition. Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition agreement for the 
remaining 30% of Beacon requiring potential additional consideration of up to $3.0 million if these milestones were 
achieved during the year ended 31 December 2009. No amounts have been accrued in respect of the additional 
consideration payable as these milestones have not been achieved.

On 14 November 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Prevalere Life Sciences Inc. 
(“Prevalere”), for an initial cash consideration of $37.6 million, excluding costs of acquisition. Prevalere, located in 
Whitesboro, New York, is a leading provider of bioanalytical and immunoassay services to pharmaceutical and 
biotechnology companies. Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition agreement requiring 
potential additional consideration of up to $8.2 million if these milestones were achieved during the years ended 31 
December 2008 and 2009. On 30 April 2009, $5.0 million was paid in respect of the milestones for the year ended 
31 December 2008. No amounts have been accrued for amounts potentially payable in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2009 as these milestones have not been achieved.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

Financial	Risk	Management

The Group’s financial instruments comprise bank borrowings, finance lease obligations, cash and current asset 
investments. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise working capital for the Group’s operations, 
to fund the cost of new acquisitions and growth. The Group may from time to time enter into derivative transactions 
to minimise its exposure to interest rate fluctuations and foreign currency exchange rates. The Group does not 
undertake any trading activity in financial instruments.

Inflation

Inflation had no material impact on the Group’s operations during the period.

Currency rate risk

Details of currency rate risks faced by the Group are set out in note 25 to the financial statements. The risk is 
managed whenever possible by matching foreign currency income and expenditures.

Interest rate risk

Details of interest rate risk and an analysis of the Group’s interest rate profile are set out in note 25 to the financial 
statements.

Credit risk

Details of credit risk faced are set out in note 25 to the financial statements.

Liquidity risk

Details of liquidity risk are set out in note 25 to the financial statements.

Directors,	secretary	and	their	interests

On 24 April 2009, the Board appointed Dr. Anthony Murphy a Director of the Company. In accordance with the 
Articles of Association, Dr. Murphy was elected a Director of the Company at the Company’s Annual General 
Meeting on 20 July 2009.

On 31 December 2009, Dr. John Climax resigned as Chairman of Board of the Company. On 1 January 2010,  
Dr. Bruce Given was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Company.

On 19 April 2010, the Board appointed Mr. Declan McKeon a Director of the Company. In accordance with the 
Articles of Association, Mr. McKeon will offer himself for election as a Director of the Company at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting on 19 July 2010. On 19 April 2010, Mr. Edward Roberts resigned as a Director of the 
Company.

Details of Directors’ interests in the Group’s shares are set out in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on pages 
21 to 26.

Save as shown on pages 24 to 25 no Director had any disclosable interest in shares of the Group at the beginning 
or end of the financial year in relation to the business of the Group

Directors’	service	contracts

Details of Directors’ service contracts are set out in the Report on Directors’ remuneration on pages 22 and 23.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Significant	shareholdings

In addition to the interests of directors disclosed in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration, the Company has been 
notified of the following shareholdings in excess of 3% of the issued share capital of the Company at 31 December 
2009:

Name

FMR LLC

Neuberger Berman LLC

Wellington Management Co. LLP

Friess Associates LLC

Lord Abbett & Co. LLC

Subsidiary undertakings

%

Number of Shares

8.3%

8.0%

6.9%

3.9%

3.1%

4,917,137

4,695,578

4,070,783

2,286,786

1,823,819

The information required by the Companies Act, 1963 in relation to subsidiary undertakings is presented in note 32 
to the financial statements.

Political	donations

The Group made no disclosable political donations in the period.

Share	capital

The share capital of the Company is €6,000,000 divided into 100,000,000 Ordinary Shares of €0.06. Holders of 
ordinary shares will be entitled to receive such dividends as may be recommended by the board of directors of the 
Company and approved by the shareholders and/or such interim dividends as the board of directors of the 
Company may decide. On liquidation or a winding up of the Company, the par value of the ordinary shares will be 
repaid out of the assets available for distribution among the holders of the Company’s American Depositary Shares 
(“ADSs”) and ordinary shares not otherwise represented by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Holders of 
ordinary shares have no conversion or redemption rights. On a show of hands, every holder of an ordinary share 
present in person at a general meeting of shareholders, and every proxy, shall have one vote, for each ordinary 
share held with no individual having more than one vote.

On 21 July 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved a bonus issue of ordinary shares (the “Bonus Issue”) to 
shareholders of record as of the close of business on 8 August 2008 (the “Record Date”). The Bonus Issue 
provided for each shareholder to receive one bonus ordinary share for each ordinary share held as of the Record 
Date, affecting the equivalent of a 2-for-1 stock split. The Bonus shares were issued on 11 August 2008, to 
Ordinary Shareholders and on 12 August 2008, to holders of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”). NASDAQ 
adjusted the trading price of the Company’s ADSs to affect the Bonus Issue prior to the opening of trading on 13 
August 2008. All outstanding ordinary share amounts, including share option amounts, referenced in the following 
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto have been retrospectively restated to give effect to the 
Bonus Issue as if had occurred as of the date referenced.

Change	of	control	provisions	in	significant	agreements

The Company has certain banking facilities which require repayment of the facility in the event that the Company 
becomes controlled by any person or persons acting in concert by whom it was not controlled at the date the 
facility was entered into. Furthermore the Company has certain capital grant agreements with the Irish government 
agency, Enterprise Ireland, whereby the Company covenants that the controlling interest in the Company will not 
change without Enterprise Ireland’s prior written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

Change	of	control	provisions	in	significant	agreements	(continued)

Additionally, the Company’s share option plans contain change in control provisions which allow potentially for the 
acceleration of the exercisability of outstanding options in the event that a change in control occurs with respect to 
the Company. Other potential consequences for outstanding share options of a change in control following a 
takeover bid include the assumption of outstanding awards by the surviving company, if not ICON, or the 
substitution of options of its stock or that of its parent.

Amendment	of	the	Company’s	Articles	of	Association

The Company’s Articles of Association may be amended by a special resolution passed by the shareholders at an 
annual or extraordinary general meeting of the Company.  A special resolution is passed at a meeting if not less 
than 75% of the members who vote in person or by proxy at the meeting vote in favour of the resolution. 

Corporate	governance	statement

In May 1998, ICON obtained a primary listing on the US NASDAQ and a secondary listing on the Irish Stock 
Exchange (“ISE”). The Company is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance 
consistent with best practice. The Company has reviewed the revised Combined Code on Corporate Governance 
issued in June 2008 (“the 2008 Combined Code”) and subsequently adopted by the London and Irish Stock 
Exchanges. The Board has reviewed the 2008 Combined Code and it is the Company’s policy, where practicable, 
to apply all of the relevant principles of the revised code.

Board

The Board comprises one executive and seven non-Executive Directors at the date of this report. The Board 
considers the non-Executive Directors, excluding Dr. Ronan Lambe and Dr. John Climax, to be independent, 
notwithstanding the granting of share options to them which is considered appropriate given the work that they 
undertake on behalf of the Company and, in the case of Thomas Lynch, that he has served as a non-Executive 
Director for more than 9 years. The non-Executive Directors bring independent judgement to bear on issues of 
strategy, performance, resources, key appointments and standards. The Company considers all of its non-
Executive Directors to be of complementary expertise. The Board meets regularly throughout the year and all 
Directors have full and timely access to the information necessary for them to discharge their duties. There is a 
formal schedule of matters reserved to the Board for consideration and decision including approval of strategic 
plans, financial statements, acquisitions, material capital expenditures and review of the effectiveness of the 
Group’s system of internal controls, thereby maintaining control of the Group and its future direction. The Directors 
have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary and may seek external independent 
professional advice where required.

Certain other matters are delegated to Board Committees, as detailed below. The Group maintains an appropriate 
level of insurance cover in respect of legal action against its Directors. All Board Committees report to the Board. 
Membership of the Committees is set out on page 2.

The Board, through the Nominating and Governance Committee, engages in succession planning and in so doing 
considers the strength and depth, and levels of knowledge, skills and experience necessary to achieve its 
objectives. The Board normally meets at least four times each year. During the year ended 31 December 2009, the 
Board met on four occasions. The attendance record of individual Directors at Board meetings is set out in the 
table on page 17. Additional meetings, to consider specific issues, are held as and when required. The Board has 
delegated some of its responsibilities to Board Committees. There are five permanent Committees. These are the 
Audit Committee, the Compensation and Organisation Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the 
Execution Committee and the Quality Committee, which was established in February 2010. Each Committee has 
been charged with specific responsibilities and each has written terms of reference that are reviewed periodically. 
Membership of the Board Committees is set out on page 2. Attendance at Committee meetings is set out in the 
table on page 17. Minutes of Committee meetings are circulated to all members of the Board.

The Company Secretary is available to act as secretary to each of the Board Committees if required.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Board	Committees

The Audit Committee meets a minimum of four times a year. During 2009, the Audit Committee comprised Edward 
Roberts (Chairman), Thomas Lynch, Bruce Given and Professor Dermot Kelleher. The Audit Committee reviews the 
quarterly and annual financial statements and the effectiveness of the system of internal control and approves the 
appointment and removal of the external auditors. It monitors the adequacy of internal accounting practices and 
addresses all issues raised and recommendations made by the external auditors. It pre-approves on an annual 
basis, the audit and non-audit services provided to the Company by its external auditors. Such annual pre-approval 
is given with respect to particular services. The Audit Committee, on a case by case basis, may approve additional 
services not covered by the annual pre-approval, as the need for such services arises. The Audit Committee 
reviews all services which are provided by the external auditors regularly to review the independence and 
objectivity of the external auditors taking into consideration relevant professional and regulatory requirements so 
that these are not impaired by the provisions of permissible non-audit services. The Chief Financial Officer and the 
external auditors normally attend all meetings of the Audit Committee and have direct access to the Committee 
Chairman at all times. Thomas Lynch is considered by the Company to have the relevant financial expertise as is 
required by the 2008 Combined Code. Due to changes agreed at the Company’s Board meetings on 23 February 
2010 and 19 April 2010, the Audit Committee was amended to comprise Thomas Lynch (Chairman), Edward 
Roberts, Professor Dermot Kelleher and Declan McKeon.

During 2009, the Compensation and Organisation Committee comprised Thomas Lynch (Chairman), Dr. Bruce 
Given, Edward Roberts and Dr. Anthony Murphy. It is responsible for senior executive remuneration. The 
Compensation and Organisation Committee aims to ensure that remuneration packages are competitive so that 
individuals are appropriately rewarded relative to their responsibility, experience and value to the Group. At the 
Company’s Board meeting on 23 February 2010, the Compensation and Organisation Committee was amended to 
comprise Dr. Anthony Murphy (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and Thomas Lynch.

During 2009, the Nominating and Governance Committee comprised Thomas Lynch (Chairman), Edward Roberts 
and Dr. Bruce Given. On an ongoing basis it reviews the membership of the board of directors and board 
Committees. It identifies and recommends individuals to fill any vacancy that is anticipated or arises on the board 
of directors. It reviews and recommends the corporate governance principles of the Company. At the Company’s 
Board meeting on 23 February 2010, the Nominating and Governance Committee was amended to comprise Dr. 
Anthony Murphy (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and Thomas Lynch.

During 2009, the Execution Committee, formerly known as the Executive Committee, comprised Peter Gray 
(Chairman), Dr. John Climax and Ciaran Murray, the Group’s Chief Financial Officer. Established in March 2005, this 
Committee is responsible for the management of the Company in intervals between meetings of the Board and 
exercises business judgement to act in what the Committee members reasonably believe to be in the best interest 
of the Company and its shareholders. All powers exercised by the Execution Committee are ratified at board 
meetings. This Committee convenes as often as it determines to be necessary or appropriate. At the Company’s 
Board meeting on 23 February 2010, the Committee was amended to comprise Peter Gray (Chairman), Dr. Bruce 
Given and Ciaran Murray.

On 23 February 2010, the Company established a Quality Committee. The primary purpose of this Committee is to 
provide, on behalf of the Board, oversight of quality strategy, commitment and performance. The Committee 
comprises Professor Dermot Kelleher (Chairman) and Dr. Ronan Lambe.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

Directors’	Attendance	Table

Board and Committee Meetings held during 
the year ended 31 December 2009:

Board

Audit

Compensation	
and
Organisation

Nomination	
and	
Governance

Execution

Director

Dr. Bruce Given 

Peter Gray

Dr. Ronan Lambe

Dr. John Climax

Thomas Lynch

Edward Roberts

Prof. Dermot Kelleher

Dr. Anthony Murphy

Shuji Higuchi

Number of meetings attended/number of meetings eligible to attend

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4*

4/4

4/4

4/4

3/3

1/1

4/4

2/2

-

-

-

4/4

4/4*

4/4

-

-

-

-

-

2/2*

2/2

-

1/1

-

2/2

-

-

-

2/2*

2/2

-

-

-

-

5/5*

-

5/5

-

-

-

-

*Denotes Committee Chairman during 2009

Chairman

Dr. John Climax resigned as Chairman of the Board of the Company on 31 December 2009. On 1 January 2010, 
Dr. Bruce Given was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Company. The Chairman is responsible for the 
efficient and effective working of the Board. He ensures that the Board agendas cover the key issues confronting 
the Group and that briefing papers are circulated to Board members in advance of meetings allowing them full and 
timely access to the information necessary to enable them to discharge their duties. The Chairman is available to 
shareholders who may have concerns that cannot be addressed through the Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman 
makes himself available to the non-Executive Directors without the executive Directors present.

Company	Secretary

The appointment and removal of the Company Secretary is a matter for the Board. All Directors have direct access 
to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that applicable 
rules and regulations are complied with and that Board procedures are observed.

Senior	Independent	Director

Mr. Thomas Lynch was appointed as Senior Independent Director in February 2010 and replaced Mr. Edward 
Roberts who was Senior Independent Director during 2009. Mr. Lynch is available to shareholders should they have 
any concerns where contact through the normal channels of Chairman or Chief Executive Officer has failed to 
resolve or for which such contact is inappropriate.

Induction	and	development

An induction program is arranged for all new Directors. This covers the major trading activities of the Company as 
well as the roles and responsibilities of Directors. All Directors are informed of relevant corporate and compliance 
developments as they arise.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Communications	with	shareholders

Communications with shareholders are given high priority and there is regular dialogue with individual institutional 
shareholders other than during closed periods, as well as general presentations at the time of the announcement of 
the annual and interim results. It is intended that institutional shareholders be given an opportunity to meet new 
non-Executive Directors when they are appointed. The Company’s Annual General Meeting affords individual 
shareholders the opportunity to question the Chairman, the Board, and Board Committee Chairmen. In addition, the 
Company responds throughout the year to letters from shareholders on a wide range of issues.

The Company’s website, www.iconplc.com, provides the full text of annual and interim reports together with all 
relevant press releases.

Directors’	remuneration

The report on Directors’ remuneration is set out on pages 21 to 26.

Appointment	and	replacement	of	the	Directors	of	the	Company

At each annual general meeting of the Company one third of the directors who are subject to retirement by rotation, 
rounded down to the next whole number if it is a fractional number, shall retire from office, but if there is only one 
director who is subject to retirement by rotation then he shall retire. The directors to retire by rotation shall be those 
who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment but as between persons who 
became or were last reappointed directors on the same day those to retire shall be determined (unless they 
otherwise agree among themselves) by lot. A director who retires at an annual general meeting may be 
reappointed, if willing to act. Dr. Bruce Given and Thomas Lynch will be eligible for retirement at the next annual 
general meeting and will seek reappointment.

The Company by ordinary resolution may appoint a person to be a director either to fill a vacancy or as an 
additional director. The Directors may appoint a person who is willing to act to be a director, either to fill a vacancy 
or as an additional director, provided that the appointment does not cause the number of directors to exceed any 
number fixed by or in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company as the maximum number of 
directors. A director so appointed shall hold office only until the next following annual general meeting and shall not 
be taken into account in determining the directors who are to retire by rotation at the meeting. If not re-appointed at 
such annual general meeting, such director shall vacate office at the conclusion thereof.

Powers	of	the	Company’s	Directors

The business of the Company is managed by the directors who may exercise all the powers of the Company which 
are not required by the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009 or by the Articles of Association of the Company to be 
exercised by the Company in general meeting. A meeting of directors at which a quorum is present may exercise 
all powers exercisable by the directors. The directors may delegate (with power to sub-delegate) to any director 
holding any executive office and to any Committee consisting of one or more directors, together with such other 
persons as may be appointed to such Committee by the directors, provided that a majority of the members of each 
Committee appointed by the directors shall at all times consist of directors and that no resolution of any such 
Committee shall be effective unless a majority of the members of the Committee present at the meeting at which it 
was passed are directors.

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009 the Company may purchase any of its shares. Every 
contract for the purchase of, or under which the Company may become entitled or obliged to purchase shares in 
the Company shall be authorised by a special resolution of the Company. The Company may cancel any shares so 
purchased or may hold them as treasury shares or issue them as ordinary shares.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Report (continued)

Internal	control

With regard to the guidance for Directors on internal control, “Internal Control: Guidance for Directors on the 
Combined Code (the Turnbull guidance)”, the Board confirms that there is an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Group, that has been in place for the period under 
review and up to the date of approval of the annual report and financial statements, and that this process is 
reviewed by the Board and accords with the guidance.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. 
However, such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business 
objectives, and can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The organisation structure of the Group under the day-to-day direction of its Chief Executive Officer is clear. 
Defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority have been established within which the Group’s activities 
can be planned, executed, controlled and monitored to achieve the strategic objectives which the Board has 
adopted for the Group.

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal control. In particular, it has reviewed the 
process for identifying and evaluating the significant risks affecting the business and the policies and procedures 
by which these risks are managed.

Management are responsible for the identification and evaluation of significant risks applicable to their areas of 
business together with the design and operation of suitable internal controls. As part of this identification process, 
management have identified a number of risks which could materially adversely affect the business financial 
condition or results of operations. These are detailed on pages 4 to 9. These risks are assessed on a continual 
basis.

A process of hierarchical reporting has been established which provides for a documented and auditable trail of 
accountability. These procedures are relevant across Group operations and provide for successive assurances to 
be given at increasingly higher levels of management and, finally, to the Board. The executive Directors report to 
the Board significant changes in the business and external environment which affect the significant risks identified. 
The Company has a comprehensive process for reporting financial information to the Board. The Chief Financial 
Officer provides the Board with quarterly financial information which includes key performance indicators. Where 
areas for improvement in the system are identified, the Board considers the recommendations made by the Audit 
Committee.

Compliance	statement

The Board confirms that the Company has complied with the relevant principles of the 2008 Combined Code 
during the year ended 31 December 2009 and to the date of this report, except for:

n	 A formal policy for regular evaluation of the Board Committees, individual Directors and the Chairman, which 

has yet to be put in place,

n	 Non-Executive Directors are in receipt of share options which has been deemed appropriate by the board, 

and

n	 Directors with more than 9 years service are not subject to annual re-election.

The Board considers Thomas Lynch to be independent despite having served as a non-Executive Director for more 
than 9 years. In making this decision, the Board took into account that the 2008 Combined Code provides that a 
director having more than 9 years service is relevant in deciding whether a director is independent. However, 
despite having more than 9 years service, the Board is satisfied that Thomas Lynch is independent for the 
purposes of the 2008 Combined Code as he is independent in character and judgement and there are no 
relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, his judgement as an 
independent non-Executive Director.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Directors’ Report (continued)

Going	concern

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operation for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements.

Post	balance	sheet	events

Details of post balance sheet events are set out in note 30 to the financial statements.

Books	of	account

The Directors believe that they have complied with the requirements of Section 202 of the Companies Act, 1990 
with regard to books of account by employing accounting personnel with appropriate expertise and by providing 
adequate resources to the financial function. The books of account of the Company are maintained at the 
registered office.

Auditors

In accordance with Section 160(2) of the Companies Act, 1963, the auditors, KPMG, Chartered Accountants, will 
continue in office.

On	behalf	of	the	Board

Thomas Lynch 
Director   

Peter Gray 
Director

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

 
 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration 

Composition	and	terms	of	reference	of	the	Compensation	and	Organisation	Committee

During 2009, the Compensation and Organisation Committee, (the “Committee”) of the Board comprised Thomas 
Lynch (Chairman), Edward Roberts, Dr. Bruce Given and Dr. Anthony Murphy. At the Company’s Board meeting on 
23 February 2010, the Committee was amended to comprise Dr. Anthony Murphy (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and 
Thomas Lynch. The Committee determines, within agreed terms of reference, the Group’s policy on compensation 
of executive officers and specific remuneration packages for each of the executive Directors, including pension 
rights.

Remuneration	policy

The Compensation and Organisation Committee seeks to achieve the following goals with the Company’s executive 
compensation programs: to attract, motivate and retain key executives and to reward executives for value creation. 
The Committee seeks to foster a performance-oriented environment by ensuring that a significant portion of each 
executive’s cash and equity compensation is based on the achievement of performance targets that are important 
to the Company and its shareholders.

The Company’s executive compensation program has three elements: base salary, a bonus plan and equity 
incentives in the form of stock related awards granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans. All elements of 
key executives compensation are determined by the Committee based on the achievement of the Group’s 
objectives.

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration

Non-Executive Directors are remunerated by way of Directors’ fees, details of which are disclosed in note 8 to the 
financial statements. Non-Executive Directors are also eligible for participation in the share option scheme. Non-
Executive Directors are not eligible for performance related bonuses and no pension contributions are made on 
their behalf. The Board of Directors as a whole sets non-Executive remuneration.

Executive Directors’ and Key Executive Officers’ remuneration

Total cash compensation is divided into a base salary portion and a bonus incentive portion. Base salary is 
established based on peer group and is adjusted based on individual performance and experience. The 
Committee targets total cash compensation at the peer group median of comparable Irish companies and peer 
CRO companies, adjusted upward or downward based on individual performance and experience. The Committee 
believes that the higher the executive’s level of responsibility within the Company, the greater the percentage of the 
executive’s compensation that should be tied to the Company’s performance. Target bonus incentive for executive 
officers is up to 80% of base salary.

The Company’s executives are eligible to receive equity incentives, including stock options and restricted share 
units, granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans. If executives receive equity incentive grants, they are 
normally approved annually at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee in the fiscal year and 
awarded at the closing price on the second full day following the release of the Company’s prior year results. Newly 
hired executives may receive sign-on grants, if approved by the Committee. In addition, the Committee may, in its 
discretion, issue additional equity incentive awards to executives if the Committee determines such awards are 
necessary to ensure appropriate incentives are in place. The number of equity awards granted to each participant 
is determined primarily based on an award range determined by the Committee at the start of each year. The 
extent of existing options is not generally considered in granting equity awards, except that the Company 
occasionally grants an initial round of equity awards to newly recruited executives to provide them a stake in the 
Company’s success from the commencement of their employment. The Company granted equity incentive awards, 
in the form of share options, to executive officers in its fiscal years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

Pensions

All executive officers are eligible to participate in a defined contribution pension plan. The Company’s contributions 
are generally a fixed percentage of their annual compensation, supplementing contributions by the executive. The 
Company has the discretion to make additional contributions if deemed appropriate by the Committee. 
Contributions to this plan are recorded as an expense in the Income Statement.

Transactions	with	Directors

Transactions with Directors are disclosed in note 29 to the financial statements.

Compensation of Directors

Details of Directors’ remuneration are disclosed in note 8 to the financial statements.

Directors’ and Executive Officers service agreements and letters of engagement

Dr. Bruce Given

Dr. Bruce Given was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Company in January 2010. He has served as a  
non-Executive Director of the Company since September 2004. The arrangements with Dr. Given provide for the 
payment to him of annual fees of $316,932 (2009: Directors fees were $66,000) per annum plus reasonable 
expenses properly incurred in carrying out his duties for the Company. He was previously granted, and held at  
30 April 2010, 20,000 ordinary share options at an exercise price ranging from $8.60 to $35.33.

Mr. Peter Gray

Mr. Peter Gray has served as the Chief Executive Officer since November 2002. He served as the Chief Operating 
Officer of the Company from June 2001 to November 2002 and as an Executive Director since June 1997. The 
service agreement with Mr. Gray is terminable on 12 months notice by either party. He is entitled to receive a bonus 
to be agreed by the Committee. He is also entitled to receive a pension contribution, company car and medical 
insurance cover for himself and his dependants. He has previously been granted, and held at 30 April 2010, 
278,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $35.33 per share. His service agreement 
requires him to devote his full time and attention to his duties to the Company excepting certain non-Executive 
positions authorised by the Board. The agreement includes certain post termination clauses including non-
disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions.

Mr. Ciaran Murray

Mr. Ciaran Murray has served as the Chief Financial Officer since October 2005. The service agreement with Mr. 
Murray is terminable on 12 months notice by either party. He is entitled to receive a bonus to be agreed by the 
Committee. He is also entitled to receive a pension contribution, a company car and medical insurance cover for 
himself and his dependants. He has previously been granted, and held at 30 April 2010, 115,000 ordinary share 
options at exercise prices ranging from $10.42 to $35.33 per share. His service agreement requires him to devote 
his full time and attention to his duties to the Company excepting certain non-Executive positions authorised by the 
Board. The agreement includes certain post termination clauses including non-disclosure, non-competition and 
non-solicitation provisions.

Dr. John Climax

Dr. John Climax, one of the Company’s co-founders, served as Chairman of the Board of the Company from 
November 2002 to December 2009. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1990 to 
October 2002 and as an Executive Director from June 1990 to December 2009. On 31 December 2009, Dr. Climax 
retired as Chairman of the Board of the Company and his service agreement with the Company (the “Dr. Climax 
Service Agreement”) ended. Since January 2010, he has held a position as a non-Executive Director of the 
Company. Dr. Climax is not considered an independent non-Executive Director for the purposes of the 2008 
Combined Code.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

The Dr. Climax Service Agreement provided for a bonus, a pension contribution, a twelve month notice period, two 
company cars and medical insurance cover for himself and his dependants. At 30 April 2010, Dr. Climax held 
126,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $35.33 per share.

The arrangements relating to Dr. Climax’s retirement were set out in an agreement entered into between the 
Company and Dr. Climax in December 2009 (the “December Agreement”). Pursuant to the December Agreement, 
Dr. Climax received, having regard to the Dr. Climax Service Agreement (which terminated pursuant to the 
December agreement), a payment of €830,000 ($1,200,620) and a pension contribution of €170,000 ($252,620).  
In addition, and also pursuant to the December Agreement, he received an ex-gratia pension contribution for past 
service of €220,308 ($327,378), the acceleration of vesting of unvested share options and the transfer of two 
company cars. The payments and contributions set out in this paragraph are included in the amounts listed for  
Dr. Climax in the Summary Compensation Table – Year Ended 31 December 2009 on page 61.

The Company has also entered a three year agreement with Rotrua Limited, a company controlled by Dr. Climax, 
for the provision of consultancy services at an agreed fee of €262,500 ($375,795) per annum. Pursuant to the 
consultancy agreement, Dr. Climax also agreed to certain restrictions that will apply to him after the termination  
of the consultancy agreement including non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation. The Consultancy 
agreement provides that the Company will provide, during the term of the agreement, permanent disability and life 
insurance cover for Dr. Climax and medical insurance cover for himself and his dependants.

Dr. Ronan Lambe

Dr. Ronan Lambe, one of the Company’s co-founders, served as Chairman of the Board of the Company from  
June 1990 to November 2002 and is currently a non-Executive Director of the Company. The arrangements with  
Dr. Lambe provide for the payment to him of Director fees of $51,750 per annum (2009: $48,000) plus reasonable 
expenses properly incurred in carrying out his duties for the Company. He has previously been granted, and  
held at 30 April 2010, 28,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $35.33 per share.  
Dr. Lambe is not considered an independent non-Executive Director for the purposes of the 2008 Combined Code.

Mr. Thomas Lynch

Mr. Thomas Lynch has served as a non-Executive Director of the Company since January 1996. The arrangements 
with Mr. Lynch provide for the payment to him of Director Fees of $78,000 per annum (2009: $78,000) plus 
reasonable expenses properly incurred in carrying out his duties for the Company. He has previously been 
granted, and held at 30 April 2010, 19,200 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $35.33 
per share. Mr. Lynch is considered independent by the Board for the purposes of the 2008 Combined Code.

Professor Dermot Kelleher

Professor Dermot Kelleher has served as a non-Executive Director of the Company since May 2008. The 
arrangements with Professor Kelleher, provide for the payment to him of Director Fees of $68,000 per annum  
(2009: $51,750). He has previously been granted, and held at 30 April 2010, 10,000 ordinary share options at an 
exercise price ranging from $22.26 to $36.04. Professor Kelleher is considered independent by the Board for the 
purposes of the 2008 Combined Code.

Dr. Anthony Murphy

Dr. Anthony Murphy has served as a non-Executive Director of the Company since April 2009. The arrangements 
with Dr. Murphy, provide for the payment to him of Directors fees of $73,000 per annum (2009: $41,750). He has 
previously been granted, and held at 30 April 2010, 5,000 ordinary share options at an exercise prices ranging 
from $15.84 to $24.46. Dr. Murphy is considered independent by the Board for the purposes of the 2008 Combined 
Code.

Mr. Declan McKeon

Mr. Declan McKeon has served as a non-Executive Director of the Company since April 2010. The arrangements 
with Mr. McKeon, provide for the payment to him of Directors fees of $53,000 per annum. Mr. McKeon is 
considered independent by the Board for the purposes of the 2008 Combined Code.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

Directors’	and	secretary’s	interests	in	shares	and	share	options

Directors and employees participate in the share option scheme. Grants of share options are at the market price of 
the Company’s shares on the date of grant. The Directors and Secretary who held office at 31 December 2009 had 
the following interests, all of which were beneficial, other than as stated, in the shares and share options of the 
Company or other Group companies at those dates:

Name	of	Director

Name	of	company	and	
description	of	shares

Dr. Bruce Given

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06

Peter Gray

Ciaran Murray

Dr. John Climax

Dr. Ronan Lambe

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06
Holmrook Limited
“C” Ordinary Shares 
€0.126974

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06
Holmrook Limited
“H” Ordinary Shares 
€0.0126973

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06
Holmrook Limited
“A” Ordinary Shares 
€0.634869

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06
Holmrook Limited
“B” Ordinary Shares 
€0.317435

Edward Roberts

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06

Thomas Lynch

ICON plc
Ordinary Shares €0.06

Prof. Dermot Kelleher ICON plc

Interest	at
0	April	00

Number	

Interest	at
	December	00
Number	

Interest at
31 December 2008
Number 

of	shares Options

of	shares Options

of shares Options

00

0,000

-

,000

-

14,000

, ,000

, ,000

444,288

98,000

,000

-

,000

-

1,000

-

- ,000

- ,000

- 108,000

0,000

-

0,000

-

10,000

-

,0, ,000

,0, ,000

3,107,568

94,000

00

-

00

-

200

-

,0

,000

,0

,000

725,380

36,000

00

-

00

-

400

-

,00

0,000

,00

,000

16,004

16,000



,00



,00

4

15,200

Ordinary Shares €0.06

-

0,000

Dr. Anthony Murphy ICON plc

Ordinary Shares €0.06

00

,000

-

-

,000

,000

-

-

6,000

-



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

Further details regarding the above options at 31 December 2009 are as follows:

ICON	plc

Bruce Given

Peter Gray

Ciaran Murray

John Climax

Ronan Lambe

Edward Roberts

Thomas Lynch

Prof. Dermot Kelleher

Dr. Anthony Murphy

Options

Exercise	price

Grant	date

Expiry	date

4,000
4,000
4,000
2,000
2,000

20,000
20,000
12,000
12,000
14,000
50,000

60,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
17,000

20,000
20,000
12,000
12,000
10,000
50,000

6,000
6,000
4,000
4,000
2,000
2,000
2,000

2,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
2,000
2,000

1,200
2,400
2,400
3,200
4,000
2,000
2,000

6,000
2,000

3,000

$8.60
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$22.26

$7.00
$8.88
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$15.84

$10.42
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$22.26

$7.00
$8.88
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$15.84

$7.00
$8.88
$8.60
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$22.26

$8.88
$8.60
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$22.26

$7.00
$8.88
$8.60
$11.00
$21.25
$35.33
$22.26

$36.04
$22.26

$15.84

24 February 2005
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
25 February 2009

21 January 2003
4 February 2004
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
30 April 2009

17 January 2006
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
25 February 2009

21 January 2003
4 February 2004
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
30 April 2009

21 January 2003
4 February 2004
24 February 2005
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
25 February 2009

4 February 2004
24 February 2005
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
25 February 2009

21 January 2003
4 February 2004
24 February 2005
3 February 2006
16 February 2007
26 February 2008
25 February 2009

27 May 2008
25 February 2009

24 February 2013
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
25 February 2017

21 January 2011
4 February 2012
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
30 April 2017

17 January 2014
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
25 February 2017

21 January 2011
4 February 2012
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
30 April 2017

21 January 2011
4 February 2012
24 February 2013
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
25 February 2017

4 February 2012
24 February 2013
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
25 February 2017

21 January 2011
4 February 2012
24 February 2013
3 February 2014
16 February 2015
26 February 2016
25 February 2017

27 May 2016
25 February 2017

30 April 2009

30 April 2017

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Report on Directors’ Remuneration (continued)

On 9 November 2009, Dr. John Climax exercised options to acquire 20,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of 
$7.25 per share. On the same day Dr. Climax sold 20,000 ordinary shares at an average price of $24.23 per share. 
During the period from 4 to 11 March Dr. Climax sold 1,500,000 ordinary shares at an average price of $24.36 per 
share.

On 9 November 2009, Mr. Peter Gray exercised options to acquire 20,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of 
$7.25 per share. On the same day Mr. Gray sold 68,000 ordinary shares at an average price of $24.27 per share.

On 20 November 2009, Dr. Ronan Lambe exercised options to acquire 20,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price 
of $7.25 per share. On the same day Dr. Lambe sold 612,000 ordinary shares at an average price of $22.59 per 
share.

On 5 March 2010, Dr. Bruce Given purchased 500 ordinary shares at an average price of $24.67 per share. 

On 8 March 2010, Mr. Ciaran Murray exercised options to acquire 40,000 ordinary shares at an average exercise 
price of $10.42 per share. On the same day Mr. Murray sold 40,000 ordinary shares at an average price of $24.25 
per share. 

On 10 March 2010, Dr. Anthony Murphy purchased 200 ordinary shares at an average price of $23.87 per share.

The share price during the year ended 31 December 2009 moved in the range of $12.17 to $26.85 (year ended 
31 December 2008: in the range of $15.97 to $44.00). The share price at 31 December 2009 was $21.73 (at 31 
December 2008 $19.69).

On	behalf	of	the	Compensation	Committee

Thomas Lynch 



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

Directors’	Responsibilities	Statement	in	respect	of	the	Annual	Report	and	the	Financial	Statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Consolidated and Company financial statements, in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and Company financial statements for each financial year. Under that 
law the directors are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the EU and have elected to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the EU and as applied in accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009.

The Group and Company financial statements are required by law and IFRSs as adopted by the EU to present fairly the 
financial position and performance of the Group and Company. The Companies Acts 1963 to 2009 provide in relation to such 
financial statements that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are 
references to their achieving a fair presentation.

In preparing each of the Group and Company financial statements, the directors are required to:

n	 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
n	 make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
n	 state that the financial statements comply with the IFRSs as adopted by the EU, and in the case of the Company, as 

applied in accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009; and

n	 prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and 

Company will continue in business.

Under applicable law and the requirements of the Listing Rules issued by the Irish Stock Exchange, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report and reports relating to directors’ remuneration and corporate governance that 
comply with the law and those Rules. In particular, in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 
2007 (the Transparency Regulations), the directors are required to include in their report a fair review of the business and a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the Company and a responsibility statement relating 
to these and other matters, included below.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper books of account that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Acts 1963 to 2009 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also 
responsible for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and Company and to 
prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and the requirements of the Listing Rules issued by the Irish Stock Exchange regulations, the directors 
are also responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report and reports relating to directors’ remuneration and corporate 
governance that comply with that law and those Rules.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility	Statement,	in	accordance	with	the	Transparency	Regulations

Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 2 confirm that, to the best of each person’s knowledge 
and belief:

n	

n	

n	

the Group financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of 
the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group at 31 December 2009 and its profit for the year then ended;
the Company financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and as applied in 
accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial 
position of the Company at 31 December 2009; and
the directors’ report contained in the Annual Report includes a fair view of the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Group and Company, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face.

On	behalf	of	the	board

Thomas Lynch 
Director   

Peter Gray 
Director

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of ICON plc 

We have audited the Group and Company financial statements (the ‘‘financial statements’’) of ICON plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2009 which comprise of the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated and Company 
Balance Sheets, the Consolidated and Company Cash Flow Statements, the Consolidated and Company 
Statements of Recognised Income and Expense and the related notes (notes 1 to 33). These financial statements 
have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 193 of the 
Companies Act 1990. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members 
those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s 
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective	responsibilities	of	Directors	and	Auditors

The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and, in the case of 
the Company as applied in accordance with Company Acts 1963 to 2009, are set out in the Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities on page 27.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements 
and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the EU, and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 
2009 and, in the case of the Consolidated financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. We also report to 
you our opinion as to: whether proper books of account have been kept by the Company; whether at the balance 
sheet date, there exists a financial situation requiring the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the 
Company; and whether the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements. In 
addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our 
audit, and whether the Company balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account.

We also report to you if, in our opinion, any information specified by law or the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock 
Exchange regarding Directors’ remuneration and Directors’ transactions is not disclosed and, where practicable, 
include such information in our report.

We review whether the Corporate Governance Statement reflects the Company’s compliance with the nine 
provisions of the 2008 Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange, 
and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the Directors’ statements on internal control 
cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate governance 
procedures or its risk and control procedures.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited 
financial statements. The other information comprises only the Directors’ Report and the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or 
material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Basis	of	audit	opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the 
Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments 
made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of ICON plc (continued)

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered 
necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements 
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion 
we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Opinion

In our opinion:

n	

n	

n	

n	

the Consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
EU, of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2009 and of its profit for the year then ended;

the Company financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU 
and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009, of the state of the 
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2009;

the Consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts 
1963 to 2009 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation; and

the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts 
1963 to 2009.

Other Matters

We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. 
In our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the Company. The Company balance sheet is in 
agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements.

The net assets of the Company, as stated in the Company balance sheet, are more than half of the amount of its 
called-up share capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 December 2009 a financial 
situation which under Section 40 (1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 would require the convening of an 
extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

KPMG	
Chartered Accountants 
Registered Auditor 
Dublin, Ireland

30 April 2010

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



 
Statement of Accounting Policies 

Basis	of	preparation

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered 
material in relation to the Group’s financial statements.

The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) that are adopted by the European Union (EU) that are effective at 31 December 2009. The 
Directors have elected to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the 
EU and as applied in accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009. The Group adopted the amendment to 
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – A Revised Presentation during 2009. This amendment sets overall 
requirements for the presentation of financial statements, guidelines for their structure and minimum requirements 
for their content. The revised standard aims to improve users’ ability to analyse and compare information given in 
financial statements. The revised standard prohibits the presentation of items of income and expenses (that is, non-
owner changes in equity) in the statement of changes in equity, requiring non-owner changes in equity to be 
presented separately from owner changes in equity in a statement of comprehensive income. As a result, the 
Group presents in the consolidated statements of changes in equity all owner changes in equity, whereas all non-
owner changes in equity are presented in a performance statement. The Group have elected to present non-owner 
changes in equity in two separate performance statements: the Consolidated Income Statement and the 
Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense. The adoption of the amendment did not impact on 
our financial position or results from operations.

These Group and Company financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars and all values are rounded to the 
nearest thousand ($‘000), except where otherwise indicated, being the reporting currency of the Group. They are 
prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the measurement at fair value on date of grant of share options. 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 
affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates 
and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors believed to be reasonable under 
the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets 
and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates and judgments are reviewed on an 
ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Accounting policies are applied consistently with the 
prior year.

Statement	of	compliance

The Consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (“EU IFRS”), and the individual 
financial statements of the Company (“Company Financial Statements”) have been prepared and approved by the 
Directors in accordance with EU IFRSs as applied in accordance with the Companies Acts 1963 to 2009. In 
accordance with Companies Acts 1963 to 2009, a company that publishes its Consolidated and Company financial 
statements together, can take advantage of the exemption in Section 148(8) of the Companies Act 1963 from 
presenting to its members a Company income statement and related notes that form part of the approved 
Company financial statements.

The International Accounting Standards Board and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(“IFRIC”) have issued the following standards and interpretations which have not yet been adopted by the 
Company or Group:

n	

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2013)

n	 Amendment to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment – “Group Cash-settled share-based payment transactions” 

(effective 1 January 2010)

n	 Amendment to IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (effective 1 January 2011)

n	 Amendment to IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (effective 1 July 2009)

n	 Amendment to IAS 32 Financial Instruments:– “Classification of Rights Issues” (effective 1 February 2010) *

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Statement	of	compliance	(continued)

n	 Amendments to IAS 39 Financial Instrument: Recognition and Measurements and IFRS 7 Financial 

Instrument: Disclosure (effective 1 July 2008)*

n	 Amendments to IAS 39 Financial Instrument: Recognition and Measurements (effective 1 July 2009)

n	

n	

n	

IFRIC Interpretation 14 Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (effective 1 January 2012)

IFRIC Interpretation 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments (effective 1 July 2010)

Improvements to IFRS (effective 1 January 2010) *

* Endorsed by the EU

The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of most of these standards and interpretations will have a material 
effect on its financial statements on initial adoption.

Basis	of	consolidation

The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of ICON plc and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries 
are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the 
date on which control is transferred out of the Group. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or 
indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain economic benefits from its 
activities. Financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting year as the Company and where 
necessary, adjustments are made to the results of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those 
used by the Group. The Group will continue to prepare the statutory, individual financial statements of subsidiary 
companies under GAAP applicable in their country of incorporation but adjustments have been made to the results 
and financial position of such companies to bring their accounting policies into line with those of the Group.

All inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from inter-group transactions, 
have been eliminated in full. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same manner as unrealised gains except to 
the extent that there is evidence of impairment.

Foreign	currency	translation

The presentation currency of the Group and Company is US dollars ($). The functional currency of the Company is 
Euros. The Company financial statements have been presented in US dollars as a large number of the Company’s 
investors are domiciled in the United States. Results and cash flows of non-dollar denominated undertakings are 
translated into dollars at the actual exchange rates at the transaction dates or average exchange rates for the year 
where this is a reasonable approximation. The related balance sheets are translated at the rates of exchange ruling 
at the balance sheet date. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of a foreign operation are 
regarded as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation, are expressed in the functional currency of the foreign 
operation and are recorded at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and subsequently retranslated at 
the applicable closing rates. Adjustments arising on translation of the results of non-dollar undertakings at average 
rates, and on the restatement of the opening net assets at closing rates, are dealt with in a separate translation 
reserve within equity.

Transactions in currencies different to the functional currencies of operations are recorded at the rate of exchange 
ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated into the functional currency at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. All translation 
differences are taken to the income statement. In addition long term intercompany balances where repayment is 
not foreseen are treated as part of the net investment and exchange difference are included in the Statement of 
Recognised Income and Expense.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Foreign	currency	translation	(continued)

The principal exchange rates used for the translation of results, cash flows and balance sheets into US dollars were 
as follows:

Average

Year	end

Year	to
	December
00

.0

.

Year to
31 December
2008

1.47688

1.88552

	December
00

31 December
2008

.0

.0

1.39800

1.46280

Euro 1:$

Pound Sterling 1:$

On disposal of a foreign operation, accumulated currency translation differences, together with any exchange 
differences on foreign currency borrowings that provide a hedge of the net investment are recognised in the 
income statement as part of the overall gain or loss on disposal; the cumulative currency translation differences 
arising prior to the transition date have been set to zero for the purposes of ascertaining the gain or loss on 
disposal of a foreign operation subsequent to 1 June 2004.

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provisions for 
impairment losses.

Depreciation is calculated to write off the original cost of property, plant and equipment less its estimated residual 
value over its expected useful lives on a straight line basis. The estimated useful lives applied in determining the 
charge to depreciation are as follows:

Buildings 
Computer Equipment 
Office furniture and fixtures 
Laboratory equipment 
Motor vehicles 

Years	
40 
4 
8 
5 
5

Leasehold improvements are amortised using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or 
the lease term, whichever is shorter.

Residual values and useful lives of property, plant and equipment are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate at each 
balance sheet date. Assets acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of their useful 
economic life and the lease term.

On disposal of property, plant and equipment the cost and related accumulated depreciation and impairments are 
removed from the financial statements and the net amount, less any proceeds, is taken to the income statement.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s property, plant and equipment are reviewed at each balance sheet date to 
determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Where such an indicator exists an impairment review is 
carried out. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generation unit 
exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement unless the asset is 
recorded at a revalued amount in which case it is firstly dealt with through the revaluation reserve with any residual 
amount being transferred to the income statement.

Subsequent costs are included in an asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, 
only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost 
of the replaced item can be measured reliably. All other repair and maintenance costs are charged to the income 
statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

	
Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Leased	Assets	–	as	lessee

Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the leased asset, 
are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or if lower the present value of the 
minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance 
lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease 
obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are 
charged to the income statement as part of finance costs.

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the assets are classified as 
operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight 
line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are recognised over the term of the lease as an integral part of the 
total lease expense.

Investments	in	subsidiaries	-	company

Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less provision for impairment in the Company’s balance 
sheet. Loans to subsidiary undertakings are initially recorded at fair value in the Company balance sheet and 
subsequently at amortised cost using an effective interest rate methodology. 

Business	combinations

The cost of a business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of 
assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued in exchange for control together with 
any directly attributable costs. Where a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of 
the combination contingent on future events, the amount of the estimated adjustment is included in the cost at the 
acquisition date if the adjustment can be reliably measured. Any changes to this estimate in subsequent periods 
are reflected in goodwill.

The assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of businesses acquired are measured at their fair values at the date 
of acquisition. In the case of a business combination which is completed in stages, the fair values of the identifiable 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are determined at the date of each exchange transaction. When the initial 
accounting for a business combination is determined provisionally, any subsequent adjustments to the provisional 
values allocated to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are made within twelve months of the 
acquisition date and presented as adjustments to the original acquisition accounting.

The interest of minority shareholders is stated at the minority’s proportion of the fair values of the assets and 
liabilities recognised, excluding goodwill, together with the share of income and expenses attributable to the 
interests they hold. Subsequently, any losses applicable to the minority interest in excess of the minority interest are 
allocated against the interests of the parent.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of net identifiable 
assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on the acquisition of subsidiaries is included 
in ‘intangible assets – goodwill and other’.

At the acquisition date, any goodwill acquired is allocated to each of the cash-generating units expected to benefit 
from the combination’s synergies. Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-
generating unit to which the goodwill relates.

Where goodwill forms part of a cash-generating unit and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the 
goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when 
determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured on 
the basis of the relative values of the operation disposed of and the proportion of the cash-generating unit retained.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Goodwill	(continued)

Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill 
relating to acquisitions post 1 June 2001 and the deemed cost of goodwill carried in the balance sheet at 1 June 
2001 is not amortised. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

Impairment	of	non	financial	assets

The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets, other than deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each balance sheet 
date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable 
amount is estimated. An estimate of the recoverable amount of goodwill is carried out at each balance sheet date.

An impairment loss is recognised in the income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash 
generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash generating units 
are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash generating units and then, to 
reduce the carrying amount of other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.

The recoverable value of assets, other than receivables carried at amortised cost and short-term receivables, is the 
greater of their net selling price and value in use. Value in use is assessed by discounting estimated future cash 
flows of the asset to their present value or discounting the estimated future cash flows of the cash generating unit 
where the asset does not generate independent cash flows. Estimated cash flows are discounted using a pre tax 
discount rate reflecting current market estimates of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

The recoverable amount of receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated by discounting the present value of 
estimated future cash flows of the asset to their present value, discounted at the original effective interest rate. 
Receivables with a short duration of less than six months are not discounted.

Impairment losses in respect of receivables carried at amortised cost are reversed if subsequent increases in the 
recoverable amount of the asset can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was 
recognised.

Impairment losses in respect of other assets, other than goodwill, are reversed if there has been a change in the 
estimates used to determine recoverable amount. Impairment losses are reversed only to the extent that the carrying 
amount of the asset does not exceed the carrying value that would have been determined, net of depreciation or 
amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised. Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

Intangible	assets

Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is 
charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, 
currently estimated as follows:

Computer software 
Customer relationships 
Volunteer list 
Order backlog 

Inventories

Years	
4-8 
3-11 
6 
3

Inventories, which comprise laboratory inventories, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost in 
the case of raw materials comprises the purchase price and attributable costs, less trade discounts. Cost in the 
case of work in progress and finished goods, comprises fixed labour, raw material costs and attributable 
overheads. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated 
costs of completion and selling expenses.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

	
Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Trade	and	other	receivables

Trade and other receivables, which generally have 30 to 90 day terms, are initially measured at fair value and are 
thereafter measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method less any provision for impairment. A 
provision for impairment of trade receivables is recognised when there is objective evidence that the Group will not 
be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Impairment losses, and any 
subsequent recovery of such losses, are recognised in the income statement within ‘other operating expenses’.

Current	asset	investments	–	available	for	sale

Financial instruments held are classified as current assets and are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or 
loss recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense. The fair value of financial instruments 
classified as available-for-sale is their market price at the balance sheet date.

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less 
and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Trade	payables

Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate method.

Government	grants

Government grants received that compensate the Group for the cost of an asset are recognised in the balance 
sheet initially as deferred income when there is reasonable assurance that it will be received and that the Group 
will comply with the conditions attaching to it. Such grants are recognised in the income statement on a systematic 
basis over the useful economic life of the asset.

Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognised in the income statement on a systematic 
basis in the same periods in which the expenses are incurred provided that the Group meets all the conditions for 
receipt of the grant.

Under grant agreements amounts received may become repayable in full or in part should certain circumstances 
specified within the grant agreements occur, including downsizing by the Group, disposing of the related assets, 
ceasing to carry on its business or the appointment of a receiver over any of its assets. The Group has not 
recognised any such loss contingency having assessed as remote the likelihood of these events arising.

Interest	bearing	loans	and	borrowings

Interest bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to 
initial recognition, interest bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and 
redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective 
interest basis.

Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it 
is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw-down 
occurs.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the 
liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Provisions

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present or legal or constructive obligation as 
a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the 
obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the 
expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks 
specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is 
recognised as a finance cost.

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, 
and the restructuring has either commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating costs are not 
provided for.

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the Group from a 
contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract.

Share	capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new share or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net 
of tax, from the proceeds.

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, 
including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes) is deducted from equity attributable to 
the Company’s equity holders until the shares are cancelled or reissued. Where such shares are subsequently 
reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related 
income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders.

Employee	benefits

(a) Pension and other post-employment benefits

Certain companies within the Group operate defined contribution pension plans. A defined contribution plan is a 
pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group has no legal or 
constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees 
the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. Contributions to defined contribution 
pension plans are expensed as incurred.

The Company operates a defined benefit pension plan for certain of its United Kingdom employees through a 
subsidiary. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan. Typically defined benefit 
plans define the amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one 
or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.

Obligations for contributions to defined benefit contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the 
income statement as service is received from the relevant employees.

The Group’s net obligation in respect of the defined benefit pension plan is calculated separately by estimating the 
amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that 
benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of plan assets deducted. The discount rate 
used is the yield at the balance sheet date on AA credit rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the 
terms of the Group’s obligations. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit 
method. Returns on the scheme assets are recorded in the finance income line in the consolidated income 
statement while interest on the scheme liabilities are recorded in the finance expense line. When benefits of a plan 
are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to the past service by employees is recognised as an 
expense in the income statement on a straight line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. 
To the extent that the benefits vest immediately, the expense is recognised immediately in the income statement.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Employee	benefits	(continued)

(a) Pension and other post-employment benefits

All actuarial gains and losses as at 1 June 2004, the date of transition to IFRSs, were recognised and adjusted 
against retained earnings. Actuarial gains and losses arising after this date are recognised immediately in the 
Statement of Recognised Income and Expenditure.

(b) Share-based payments

Share-based payments comprise options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company and restricted share units 
granted to the Directors and other employees of the Group based on service and non-market performance 
conditions such as term of employment and individual performance. The fair value of options granted is recognised 
as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and 
spread over the period during which the Directors and other employees become unconditionally entitled to the 
options. The fair value of options granted is measured using a binomial lattice model, taking into account the terms 
and conditions upon which the options were granted. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference 
to the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any non-market service and performance vesting 
conditions (for example profitability, sales growth targets). Non-market vesting conditions are included in 
assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. The amount recognised as an expense is 
adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest.

Revenue	recognition

The Group primarily earns revenues by providing clinical research services to its customers. Clinical research 
services include clinical trials management, biometric activities, imaging consulting, laboratory services and 
contract staffing. Contracts range in duration from a number of months to several years.

Clinical trials management revenue is recognised on a proportional performance method. Depending on the 
contractual terms, revenue is either recognised on the percentage of completion method, based on the relationship 
between hours incurred and the total estimated hours of the trial, or on the unit of delivery method. Biometrics 
revenue is recognised on a fee-for-service method on the basis of the number of units completed in a period as a 
percentage of the total number of contracted units. Imaging revenue is recognised on a fee-for- service basis. 
Consulting revenue is recognised on a fee-for-service basis as the related service is performed. Laboratory service 
revenue is recognised on a fee-for-service basis. Contract staffing revenue is recognised on a fee-for-service basis, 
over the time the related service is performed, or in the case of permanent placement, once the candidate has 
been placed with the client. The Company accounts for laboratory service contracts as multiple element 
arrangements, with contractual elements comprising laboratory kits and laboratory testing, each of which can be 
sold separately. Fair values for contractual elements are determined by reference to objective and reliable 
evidence of their fair values. Non-refundable set-up fees are allocated as additional consideration to the contractual 
elements based on the proportionate fair values of each of these elements. Revenues for contractual elements are 
recognised on the basis of the number of deliverable units completed in the period.

Contracts generally contain provisions for renegotiation in the event of changes in the scope, nature, duration, 
volume of services or conditions of the contract. Renegotiated amounts are recognised as revenue by revision to 
the total contract value arising as a result of an authorised customer change order. Provisions for losses to be 
incurred on contracts are recognised in full in the period in which it is determined that a loss will result from 
performance of the contractual arrangement.

The difference between the amount of revenue recognised and the amount billed on a particular contract is 
included in the balance sheet as unbilled revenue. Normally, amounts become billable upon the achievement of 
certain milestones, in accordance with pre-agreed payment schedules included in the contract or on submission of 
appropriate billing detail. Such cash payments are not representative of revenue earned on the contract as 
revenues are recognised over the period in which the specified contractual obligations are fulfilled. Amounts 
included in unbilled revenue are expected to be collected within one year and are included within current assets. 
Advance billings to customers, for which revenue has not been recognised, are recognised as payments on 
account within current liabilities.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Revenue	recognition	(continued)

In the event of contract termination, if the value of work performed and recognised as revenue is greater than 
aggregate milestone billings at the date of termination, cancellation clauses ensure that the Company is paid for all 
work performed to the termination date.

Reimbursable	expenses

Reimbursable expenses comprise investigator payments and certain other costs which are reimbursed by clients 
under terms specific to each contract and are deducted from gross revenue in arriving at revenue. Investigator 
payments are accrued based on patient enrolment over the life of the contract. Investigator payments are made 
based on predetermined contractual arrangements, which may differ from the accrual of the expense.

Direct	costs

Direct costs consist of compensation and associated employee benefits for project-related employees and other 
direct project related costs.

Research	and	development	credits

Research and development credits that are provided under the income tax law of the jurisdictions in which the 
Group operates generally are recognised as a reduction of income tax expense.  However, certain tax jurisdictions 
provide refundable credits that are not dependent on the Group’s ongoing tax status or tax position.  In these 
circumstances the benefit of these credits is not recorded as a reduction to income tax expense, but rather as a 
reduction of the operating expenditure to which the credits relate.

Financing	expense

Financing expense comprises interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest rate method, 
finance charges on finance leases, foreign exchange gains and losses, and gains and losses on hedging 
instruments that are recognised in the income statement.

Financing	income

Interest income is recognised in the income statement as it accrues, using the effective interest rate method and 
includes interest receivable on funds invested.

Income	tax

The tax expense in the income statement represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years 
and it further excludes items that are not taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated 
using rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.

Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity.

Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on all differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes except those 
arising from non-deductible goodwill or on initial recognition of an asset or liability which affects neither accounting 
nor taxable profit. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the 
year when the asset is expected to be realised or the liability to be settled.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Income	tax	(continued)

Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused 
tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible 
temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that 
it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit would be available to allow all or part of the deferred income 
tax asset to be utilised.

Earnings	per	ordinary	share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net profit for the financial period attributable to ordinary 
shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue that ranked for dividend 
during the financial period.

Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the profit for the financial period attributable to ordinary 
shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue after adjusting for the 
effects of all potential dilutive ordinary shares that were outstanding during the financial period.

Segment	reporting

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn 
revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s 
other components. As of 1 January 2009 the Group determines and presents operating segments based on the 
information that internally is provided to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who 
together are considered the Group’s chief operating decision maker. This change in accounting policy is due to the 
adoption of IFRS 8 Operating Segments. An operating segment’s operating results are reviewed regularly by the 
CEO and CFO to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and 
for which discrete financial information is available.

Segment results that are reported to the CEO and CFO include items directly attributable to a segment as well as 
those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during 
the period to acquire property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets other than goodwill.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Year	ended	
	December
00
$’000

Year ended 
31 December
2008
$’000

Note

,,

1,209,451

1

7

3

4

2

5

24

6

6

(0,)

,

(0,)

(,)

(,0)

0,

,

(,)

0,

(,)

(344,203)

865,248

(490,667)

(289,006)

-

85,575

4,004

(4,959)

84,620

(19,944) 

,0

64,676

,0

-

64,483

193

,0

64,676

.

.

1.11

1.06

Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Gross	revenue

Reimbursable expenses

Revenue

Direct costs

Other operating expenses 

One-time net charges

Operating	profit

Financing income

Financing expense

Profit	before	taxation

Income tax expense

Profit	for	the	year

Attributable	to:

Equity holders of the Company

Minority interest

Profit	for	the	year

Earnings	per	ordinary	share

Basic

Diluted

On	behalf	of	the	Board

Thomas Lynch 
Director 

Peter Gray 
Director

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense 
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Items	of	income	and	expense	recognised	directly	in	equity

Currency translation differences

Deferred tax movement on unexercised options

Tax benefit excess on exercised options

Actuarial loss recognised on defined benefit pension scheme

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

Note

24

5

9

0,0

(18,016)





(8,871)

4,060

()

(955)

Net income/(loss) recognised directly in equity

0,

(23,782)

Profit for the financial year

,0

64,676

Total recognised income and expense for the year

0,

40,894

Attributable	to:

Equity holders of the Company

Minority interests

0,

-

40,701

193

Total recognised income and expense for the year

0,

40,894

On	behalf	of	the	Board

Thomas Lynch 
Director 

Peter Gray 
Director

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2009

ASSETS
Non-current	assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets – goodwill and other
Other non-current assets
Deferred tax assets
Total	non-current	assets

Current	assets
Inventories
Accounts receivable
Unbilled revenue
Other current assets
Current taxes receivable
Current asset investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Total	current	assets
Total	assets

EQUITY
Share capital 
Share premium
Options reserve
Other reserves
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained earnings
Total	equity	attributable	to	equity	holders

LIABILITIES
Non-current	liabilities
Deferred government grants and other liabilities
Bank credit lines and loan facilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Total	non-current	liabilities

Current	liabilities
Accounts payable
Payments on account
Accrued and other liabilities
Bank credit lines and loan facilities
Current tax payable
Total	current	liabilities
Total	liabilities
Total	equity	and	liabilities	

On	behalf	of	the	Board

Thomas Lynch 
Director 

Peter Gray 
Director



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Note

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

11
12
14
5

15
16

17

18
19

23

24

20
22
5

20
22

,
,
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,
,

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,
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,
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,
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,
,

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,
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,
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,

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-

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,
,
-
,
,
,
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150,162
215,141
6,482
10,223
382,008

3,357
210,535
141,727
27,868
10,616
42,726
58,378
495,207
877,215

4,921
138,227
28,123
7,422
1,280
294,153
474,126

3,266
65,186
6,144
74,596

17,505
121,935
129,801
40,193
19,059
328,493
403,089
877,215

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Profit	for	the	financial	year
Adjustments	to	reconcile	profit	for	the	financial	year	to	net	cash	generated	
from	operating	activities
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of grants
Stock compensation expense
Finance income
Foreign exchange adjustment on long term loans settled
Finance expense
Defined benefit pension costs
Income tax expense
Operating	cash	inflow	before	changes	in	working	capital

Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable
Decrease in unbilled revenue
Decrease/(increase) in other current assets
Increase in other non current assets
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable
Increase in inventory
Increase in payments on account
Increase in accrued and other liabilities
Increase in non current other liabilities
Cash	provided	by	operations
Income taxes paid
Employer contribution defined benefit pension scheme
Interest received
Interest paid
Net	cash	inflow	from	operating	activities
Investing	activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings and acquisition costs
Cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings
Sale of current asset investments
Purchase of current asset investments
Grant received
Net	cash	used	in	investing	activities
Financing	activities
Drawdown of bank loan facilities
Repayment of credit lines and facilities
Tax benefit from the exercise of share options
Proceeds from exercise of share options
Share issuance costs
Repayment of lease liabilities
Net	cash	(used	in)/provided	by	financing	activities
Net	increase/(decrease)	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	end	of	year

Year	ended
	December
00
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,0

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000
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76,881
58,378

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Company Statement of Financial Position 
as at 31 December 2009

ASSETS
Non-current	assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Deferred tax asset
Total	non-current	assets

Current	assets
Other current assets
Current taxes receivable
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings
Cash and cash equivalents
Total	current	assets

Note

30(a)
30(b)
30(c)
30(d)

30(e)

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

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,
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,

1,927
45
335,440
1,676
339,088

3,819
210
96,399
444
100,872

Total	assets

,

439,960

EQUITY
Share capital 
Share premium
Options reserve
Other reserves
Functional currency translation reserve
Retained earnings
Attributable	to	equity	holders

Total	equity

LIABILITIES
Non-current	liabilities
Bank credit lines and loan facilities
Total non-current liabilities

Current	liabilities
Accounts payable
Accrued and other liabilities
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Bank credit lines and loan facilities
Current taxes payable
Total	current	liabilities

Total	liabilities

Total	equity	and	liabilities

On	behalf	of	the	Board

Thomas Lynch 
Director 

Peter Gray 
Director



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

,
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28,123
6,071
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112,646
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ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Cash Flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

(Loss)/profit	for	the	financial	year

(,)

55,187

Adjustments	to	reconcile	(loss)/profit	for	the	financial	year	to	net	cash	
provided	by	operating	activities:

Loss on disposal of fixed asset

Depreciation 

Amortisation of intangible assets

Stock compensation expense

Interest on intercompany loans

Dividend received from subsidiary undertaking

Finance expense

Income tax expense 

Operating	cash	inflow	before	changes	in	working	capital

Decrease/(increase) in other current assets

(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities

Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable

Cash	(used	in)/provided	by	operations	

Interest paid

Income taxes paid 

Net	cash	(outflow)/inflow	from	operating	activities

Investing	activities

Purchase of computer software

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net	cash	used	by	investing	activities

Financing	activities

Drawdown of bank credit lines and loan facilities

Repayment of bank credit lines and loan facilities

Increase/(decrease) in amounts due to/from subsidiary undertakings

Dividends received from subsidiary undertaking

Purchase of shares in subsidiary undertaking

Proceeds from exercise of share options

Share issuance costs

Net	cash	provided	by/(used	in)	financing	activities

Net	increase	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	end	of	year









(,)

-

,







(,)



()

(,)

()

(,)

()

()

(0)

,00

(,)

0,

-

-

,

()

,0

0

0



,0

-

495

18

779

(1,888)

(56,500)

4,097

850

3,038

(185)

5,071

(342)

7,582

(1,127)

(815)

5,640

(34)

(1,119)

(1,153)

58,925

(48,927)

93,687

56,500

(172,639)

8,516

(138)

(4,076)

411

(279)

312

444

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements 

.	 Segmental	information

As of 1 January 2009 the Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that 
internally is provided to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who together are 
considered the Group’s chief operating decision maker. This change in accounting policy is due to the 
adoption of IFRS 8 Operating Segments. The Company’s primary listing for its shares is the NASDAQ market in 
the United States. Consequently, information reviewed by the chief operating decision maker is prepared in 
accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). Reconciliations of the Group’s 
profit for the financial year and shareholders equity from US GAAP to IFRS are set out on pages 108 to 110 of 
this report.

Operating segments were previously determined and presented in accordance with IAS 14 Segment 
Reporting. Historically, the Group organised, operated and assessed its business in two segments, the clinical 
research segment and the central laboratory segment. The central laboratory segment results were based on 
the results of the central laboratory in New York, USA, together with laboratory services based in Ireland, India 
and Singapore. For the years ended 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008, the central laboratory 
division did not reach the thresholds of revenue, operating profit and total assets set forth in IFRS 8 as a 
requirement for being reported as a separate segment; however, it continued to be reported as such. 
Management have determined that its clinical research and central laboratory businesses operate in the same 
clinical research market, have a similar customer profile, are subject to the same regulatory environment, 
support the development of new clinical therapies and are so economically similar, reporting their results on an 
aggregated basis would be more useful to users of the Company’s financial statements. Accordingly, in the 
2008 comparatives included herein, the results of the former central laboratory segment have been 
consolidated and reclassified into the clinical research segment.

The new accounting policy in respect of segment operating disclosures is presented on page 39.

Comparative segment information has been re-presented in conformity with the transitional requirements of 
IFRS 8. Since the change in accounting policy only impacts presentation and disclosure aspects, there is no 
impact on earnings per share.

Information on the Clinical Research division is set out below:

Clinical	Research:

External revenue

Income from operations before depreciation & amortisation and one-time  
net charges
Depreciation and amortisation 
One-time net charges

Income from operations 
Interest income
Interest expense

Income before provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Non-controlling interests

(US	GAAP)
Year	ended
	December
00
US$’000

(US GAAP)
Year ended
31 December
2008
US$’000

,

865,248

,
(,)
(,0)

0,

(,0)

0,
(0,)
-

127,232
(27,728)
-

99,504
2,881
(4,105)

98,280
(19,967)
(193)

Net income

,

78,120

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Segmental	information	(continued)

Segment	assets:

Clinical research

Segment	Liabilities:

Clinical research

Capital	expenditure:

Clinical research

(US	GAAP)
	December
00
US$’000

(US GAAP)
31 December
2008
US$’000

0,

867,285

,

410,919

,

72,124

Geographical	segment	information

As stated above segment information was previously determined and presented in accordance with IAS 14 
Segment Reporting. As of 1 January 2009 the Group determines and presents segment information, including 
geographic segment information, in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments. Comparative segment 
information has been re-presented in conformity with the transitional requirements of IFRS 8.

External	revenue

Europe

United States

Rest of World

Non-current	assets

Europe

United States

Rest of World

Major	customers

Year	ended
	December
00
US$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
US$’000

0,

0,

,

,

,0

,

,0

,

413,664

379,140

72,444

865,248

189,938

182,336

9,734

382,008

No one client accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 
December 2008.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Profit	before	taxation

Profit	before	taxation	is	stated	after	charging	the	following:

Auditors’	remuneration:

Audit fees (1)

Audit related fees (2)

Tax fees (3)

Total	fees

Directors’	emoluments

Fees

Other emoluments and benefits in kind

Pension contributions

Stock compensation expense 

Total	Directors’	emoluments

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Operating	lease	rentals:

Premises 

Motor vehicles

Plant and equipment 

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

,





,



,





,

0,

,

,0

,

,0

1,835

403

1,171

3,409

266

2,888

147

418

3,719

7,895

19,833

35,855

7,424

2,359

(1)  Audit fees include annual audit fees for ICON plc and subsidiaries.

(2)  Audit related fees principally consist of fees for financial due diligence services and fees for audit of 

financial statements of employee benefit plans.

(3)  Tax fees are for tax compliance and tax consultation services.

For additional information regarding Directors’ shareholdings, share options and compensation, please refer to 
the Report on Directors’ Remuneration and note 8 – Payroll and related benefits.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Finance	income	

Finance	income:

Interest receivable

Foreign exchange gain on bank loans

Defined benefit pension – expected return on plan assets

All of the above relates to items not at fair value through profit and loss.

.		 Finance	expense	

Finance	expense:

Foreign exchange loss on bank loans

Interest on bank overdraft and credit facilities

Finance lease interest

Defined benefit pension-interest cost

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000



-

0

,

2,881

60

1,063

4,004

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

,

,0

0



,

-

4,078

27 

854

4,959

All of the above relates to items not at fair value through profit and loss

.	Income	tax	expense

The components of the current and deferred tax expense for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 
were as follows:

Current	tax	expense:

Current year

Under/(over) provided in prior years

Deferred	tax	(credit)/charge:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

(Under)/over provided in prior years

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

,



,

(,)

(,0)

16,245

(429)

15,816

3,787

341

Total	income	tax	expense	in	the	income	statement

,

19,944

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



	
	
Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Income	tax	expense	(continued)

The total tax expense of $11.2 million and $19.9 million for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 
December 2008 respectively, reflects tax at standard rates on taxable profits in the jurisdictions in which ICON 
operates, foreign withholding tax and the availability of tax losses.

The deferred tax credit of $2.5 million for the year ended 31 December 2009 and the deferred tax charge of 
$4.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2008, relate to deferred tax arising in respect of net operating 
losses and temporary differences in capital items, certain goodwill and the timing of the deduction of share 
option schemes for tax purposes. No deferred tax asset has been recognised on the defined benefit pension 
scheme.

A reconciliation of the expected tax expense, computed by applying the standard Irish tax rate to income 
before tax to the actual tax expense, is as follows:

Profit before tax

Irish standard tax rate

Taxes at Irish standard tax rate

Reversal of prior year under provision in respect of

current foreign taxes

Foreign and other income taxed at higher rates

Non deductible expenses

Other

Losses for which no benefit has been recognised

Research and development tax incentives

Tax	expense	on	profit	for	the	year

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

0,

.%

,0

()

0,





,0

(,)

,

84,620

12.5%

10,578

(88)

6,933

520

507

1,494

-

19,944



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	

Income	tax	expense	(continued)

The net deferred tax asset at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 was as follows:

Deferred	taxation	liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill and related assets

Other intangible assets

Other 

Accruals to cash method adjustment 

Total deferred taxation liabilities

Less: offset against deferred tax assets

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

,

,

0



,

(,)

5,667

5,112

1,219

1,008

546

13,552

(7,408)

Deferred tax liability disclosed on balance sheet



6,144

Deferred	taxation	assets:

Net operating losses carried forward

Accrued expenses and payments on account

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred compensation

Stock compensation expense

Other

Total deferred taxation assets

Less: offset against deferred tax liabilities

,

,





,0



0,00

(,)

3,690

6,746

260

737

6,177

21

17,631

(7,408)

Deferred tax asset disclosed on balance sheet

,

10,223

Net	deferred	taxation	asset

,0

4,079

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	

Income	tax	expense	(continued)

The movement in temporary differences during the year ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 was as follows:

Balance	
	January	
00
$’000

Recognised
in	
Income
$’000

Recognised
in	
Equity
$’000

Balance	
	December
00
$’000

Acquired
$’000

Deferred	taxation	liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill on acquisition
Accruals to cash method adjustment
Other intangible assets
Other 
Total	deferred	taxation	liabilities

Deferred	taxation	assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards
Accrued expenses and payments on 
account
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred compensation
Stock compensation expense
Other
Total	deferred	taxation	assets
Net	deferred	taxation	asset

5,667
5,112
546
1,219
1,008
,

3,690

6,746
260
737
6,177
21
,
,0

-
718
-
-
-


-

-
-
-
-
-
-

()	

206
(338)
(527)
93
(258)
()

(1,592)

2,482
93
210
285
214
,
,

-
-
(7)
-
-
()

35

68
-
-
611
3



,
,

,
0
,

,

,


,0

0,00
,0

Balance	
	January	
00
$’000

Recognised	
in	
Income
$’000

Recognised	
in	
Equity
$’000

Balance	
	December
00
$’000

Acquired
$’000

Deferred	taxation	liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill on acquisition
Accruals to cash method adjustment
Other intangible assets
Other 
Total	deferred	taxation	liabilities

Deferred	taxation	assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards
Accrued expenses and payments on 
account
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred compensation
Stock compensation expense
Other
Total	deferred	taxation	assets
Net	deferred	taxation	asset

1,253
4,274
352
439
46
,

1,974

6,007
614
471
15,542
-
,0
,

-
-
-
922
-


4,382
827
194
(217)
962
,

32
11
-
75
 -
	

,
,

,
,00
,

-

1,716

 -

,0

-
-
-
-
- 
-
()

843
(332)
266
(494)
21
,00
(,)

(104)
 (22)
 -
(8,871)
 -
(,)
(,)

,
0

,

,
,0



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	

Income	tax	expense	(continued)

Unrecognised	deferred	tax	assets

At 31 December 2009, non-US subsidiaries had operating loss carry-forwards for income tax purposes that 
may be carried forward indefinitely, available to offset against future taxable income, if any, of approximately 
$34.8 million (31 December 2008: $21.5 million).

At 31 December 2009, ICON Laboratory Inc., a U.S. subsidiary, had U.S. Federal and State net operating loss 
carry forwards of approximately U.S.$6.7 million and U.S.$5.3 million, respectively (31 December 2008: 
approximately $8.6 million and $6.9 million). These net operating losses are available for offset against future 
taxable income and expire between 2010 and 2029. Of the U.S. $6.7 million U.S. Federal and U.S. $5.3 million 
State net operating losses, approximately U.S.$5.5 million and U.S.$4.0 million are currently available for offset 
against future U.S. Federal and State taxable income respectively. The subsidiary’s ability to use the remaining 
U.S. Federal and State net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards of U.S.$1.2 million and U.S.$1.2 million 
respectively is limited to U.S. $113,000 per year due to the subsidiary experiencing a change of ownership in 
2000, as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Certain of the deferred tax assets relating to net operating losses have not been recognised to the extent that it 
is considered unlikely that a benefit will be received in the future.

In total, the Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets at 31 December 2009 of $10.4 million and $5.9 million 
at 31 December 2008. The Company has not recognised the remaining deferred tax assets because it believes 
that it is more likely than not that the losses and other deferred tax assets will not be utilised given their history 
of operating losses.

Unrecognised	deferred	tax	liabilities

At 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 respectively, there were no recognised or unrecognised 
deferred tax liabilities for taxes that would be payable on the unremitted earnings of certain of the Group’s 
subsidiaries. The Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences of its 
subsidiaries and it is probable that these temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

.		 Earnings	per	share

The following table sets forth the computation for basic and diluted net earnings per share for the year ended 
31 December 2009:

Numerator	computations

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Profit for the financial year

Profit attributable to minority interest 

Profit attributable to equity holders 

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0

-

,0

64,676

(193)

64,483

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Earnings	per	share	(continued)

Denominator	computations

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic

,,

58,245,240

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares

,0,0

2,573,720

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted

0,,0

60,818,960

	December
00

31 December
2008

Number	of	Shares

Earnings	per	Share

Basic earnings per ordinary share

Diluted earnings per ordinary share

	December
00
$

31 December
2008
$

.

.

1.11

1.06

The Company had 3,060,584 anti-dilutive shares in issue at 31 December 2009 (31 December 2008: 
1,219,170).

.		 One-time	net	charges

One-time net charges recognised during the year ended 31 December 2009 comprise:

Restructuring charge

Research and development incentives

Net Charge

Restructuring	Charge

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0

(,)

	,0

-

-

-

In response to the globalisation of clinical studies and its attendant impact on resources in existing and 
emerging markets, the Company conducted a review of its existing infrastructure during the three months 
ended 30 June 2009 to better align its resources with the needs of its clients. On conclusion, a program of 
restructuring activities was initiated which resulted in resource rationalisations in certain more mature markets 
in which the Company operates and the recognition of an initial restructuring charge of $13.4 million. It is 
anticipated that activities associated with the restructuring program will be completed during the year ended 
31 December 2010.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 One-time	net	charges	(continued)

Restructuring costs recognised during the year ended 31 December 2009 were as follows:

Initial provision recognised

Amounts released

Net provision recognised

Cash payments

Property, plant and equipment write-off 

Closing provision 

Research	and	Development	Incentives

Workforce
Reductions
$’000

Office
Consolidations
$’000

4,886

-

4,886

(4,392)

-

494

8,548

(133)

8,415

(4,105)

(1,408)

2,902

Total
$’000

13,434

(133)

13,301

(8,497)

(1,408)

 3,396

During the year ended 31 December 2009, the Group received research and development incentives in certain 
European Union jurisdictions in which it operates. Income of $4.5 million has been recognised within one-time 
net charges for the year ended 31 December 2009, in respect of these incentives.

.	 Payroll	and	related	benefits

The aggregate payroll costs of employees of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2009 was as follows:

Wages and salaries

Social welfare costs

Pension costs for defined contribution pension schemes

Pension costs for defined benefit pension schemes

Share-based payment*

Total	charge	to	income

Actuarial losses recognised on defined benefit pension scheme

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

,0

,

,0



,0

,0



455,557

57,599 

14,871

(643) 

8,652 

536,036

955

Total	payroll	and	related	benefit	costs

,0

536,991

* IFRS 2 Share- Based Payments requires that the fair value of options is calculated and amortised over the 
vesting period of the related option. A compensation expense of $8.1 million was recognised in respect of the 
year ended 31 December 2009. The compensation expense for the year ended 31 December 2008 was $8.7 
million.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Payroll	and	related	benefits	(continued)

The average number of employees, including Executive Directors, employed by the Group for the year ended 
31 December 2009 was as follows:

Marketing

Administration

Clinical research processing

Laboratory

Total

Directors’	remuneration

Year	ended
	December
00

Year ended
31 December
2008

0

,

,0



,0

163

1,127

4,871

391

6,552

Information in relation to the Directors’ shareholdings and share options is included in the Report on Directors’ 
Remuneration on pages 21 to 26.

Dr. John Climax, one of the Company’s co-founders, served as Chairman of the Board of the Company from 
November 2002 to December 2009. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1990 
to October 2002 and as an Executive Director from June 1990 to December 2009. On 31 December 2009,  
Dr. Climax retired as Chairman of the Board of the Company and his service agreement with the Company  
(the “Dr. Climax Service Agreement”) ended. Since January 2010, he has held a position as a non-Executive-
Director of the Company.

The Dr. Climax Service Agreement provided for a bonus, a pension contribution, a twelve month notice period, 
two company cars and medical insurance cover for himself and his dependants. At 30 April 2010, Dr. Climax 
held 126,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $35.33 per share.

The arrangements relating to Dr. Climax’s retirement were set out in an agreement entered into between  
the Company and Dr. Climax in December 2009 (the “December Agreement”). Pursuant to the December 
Agreement, Dr. Climax received, having regard to the Dr. Climax Service Agreement (which terminated 
pursuant to the December agreement), a payment of €830,000 ($1,200,620) and a pension contribution of 
€170,000 ($252,620). In addition, and also pursuant to the December Agreement, he received an ex-gratia 
pension contribution for past service of €220,308 ($327,378), the acceleration of vesting of unvested share 
options and the transfer to him of two company cars. The payments and contributions set out in this paragraph 
are included in the amounts listed for Dr. Climax in the Summary Compensation Table – Year Ended  
31 December 2009 on page 61.

The aggregate remuneration, including pension contributions, paid to or accrued for all Directors for the year 
ended 31 December 2009 was $5,792,478 (year ended 31 December 2008: $3,719,300). Remuneration of 
individual Directors is set out on page 61.

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

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ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Retirement	Benefit	Obligations

The Group operates a number of defined contribution schemes and a defined benefit pension scheme. 
The Group accounts for pensions in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits (“IAS 19”).

(i)	 Defined	Contribution	Schemes

Certain employees of the Group are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”). 
Participants in the Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings into a pension plan, which  
is run by an independent party. The Group matches each participant’s contributions typically at 6% of the 
participant’s annual compensation. Contributions to this plan are recorded, as a remuneration expense in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. Contributions for the year ended 31 December 2009 and year ended 31 
December 2008 were $14,241,000 and $10,372,000 respectively.

The Group’s United States operations maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred 
salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect 
to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The 
Company matches 50% of each participant’s contributions; each participant can contribute up to 6% of their 
annual compensation. Contributions to this U.S. Plan are recorded, in the year contributed, as an expense in 
the Consolidated Income Statement. Contributions for the year ended 31 December 2009 and year ended 31 
December 2008 were $5,189,000 and $4,499,000 respectively.

(ii)	 Defined	Benefit	Plans

One of the Group’s subsidiaries, ICON Development Solutions Limited, which was acquired by the Group in 
2003, operates a defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom for certain of its employees, which is now 
closed to new members. The plan is managed externally and the related pension costs and liabilities are 
assessed in accordance with the advice of a professionally qualified actuary. Plan assets at 31 December 
2009 and 31 December 2008 consist of units held in independently administered funds. The most recent 
valuation of plan obligations was carried out as at 1 September 2007 using the projected unit credit method 
and updated on an appropriate basis at 31 December 2009.

The principal actuarial assumptions used for the purpose of the actuarial valuations were as follows:

Financial	assumptions

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets

Inflation rate

Future pension increases

Future salary increases

	December
00

31 December
2008

.0%

.0%

.0%

.0%

.00%

6.40%

6.80%

3.10%

3.00%

4.20%



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

9.   Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued)

Mortality assumptions

The mortality assumptions adopted at 31 December 2009 imply the following life expectancies at age 62 
(2008: 62):

Male currently age 40

Female currently age 40

Male currently age 62

Female currently age 62

31 December
2009

31 December
2008

24.4 years

27.0 years

26.5 years

29.0 years

25.1 years

27.9 years

23.9 years

26.8 years

Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at 31 December 2009 in respect of 
defined benefit pension schemes are as follows:

Present value of benefit obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Present value of net plan assets

Actuarial gains/losses

Experience adjustments on plan assets

Experience adjustments on plan liabilities

Effects of changes in demographic and financial assumptions underlying 
the present value of plan liabilities

Total Actuarial loss in year

31 December
2009
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

(13,686)

13,573

(113)

1,460

-

(2,079)

(619)

(10,114)

10,392

278

(2,923)

-

1,968

(955)

Cumulative net actuarial gains reported in the Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense 
from the date of transition, 1 June 2004, to 31 December 2009 amounted to $0.7 million (31 December 2008: 
net gains of $1.3 million).

Amounts recognised in periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Income Statement during the year ended  
31 December 2009 in respect of defined benefit pension schemes were are follows:

Current service cost

Interest cost

Plan Curtailments

Amortisation of prior service costs

Expected return on plan assets

Net periodic pension charge/(credit)

Year ended
31 December
2009
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

182

673

-

102

(740)

217

437

854

(871)

-

(1,063)

(643)

The actual return on plan assets amounted to a gain of $2.20 million (2008: loss of $1.89 million).

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

63

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Retirement	Benefit	Obligations	(continued)

Changes in the net asset/(deficit) of the plan during the period were as follows:

Net	asset	in	scheme	at	start	of	year

Movement in year

Current service cost

Contributions paid

Other finance (income)/expense, net

Plan Curtailments

Amortisation of prior service costs

Actuarial loss

Foreign exchange rate changes

Net	(deficit)/asset	in	scheme	at	end	of	year

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000



()





-

(0)

()



()

254

(437)

428

211

871

-

(955)

(94)

278

Changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations of the plan are as follows:

Projected	benefit	obligation	at	start	of	year

0,

15,216

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan participants’ contributions

Actuarial loss

Benefits paid

Plan curtailments

Plan amendments

Foreign exchange rate changes

Projected	benefit	obligation	at	end	of	year





0

,0

()

-

0

,

,

437

854

207

(1,968)

(75)

(871)

-

(3,686)

10,114



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Retirement	Benefit	Obligations	(continued)

Changes in the fair value of the plans’ assets during the year ended 31 December 2009 were as follows:

Fair	value	of	plan	assets	at	start	of	year

Expected return on plan assets

Actuarial gain/(loss) on plan assets

Employer contribution

Plan participants’ contributions

Benefit paid

Foreign exchange movements

Fair	value	of	plan	assets	at	end	of	year

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

0,

0

,0



0

()

,

,

15,470

1,063

(2,923)

428

209

(75)

(3,780)

10,392

The fair value of plan assets at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 is analysed as follows:

Unit funds

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

10,392

The plan’s assets do not include any of the Group’s own financial instruments, nor any property occupied by, or 
other assets used by the Group.

The assets of the scheme are invested in a unitised with profits policy. The expected long-term rate of return on 
assets at 31 December 2009 of 7.4% (2008: 6.8%) was calculated on the assumption of the following returns 
for each asset class:

Equities

Bonds

	December
00

31 December
2008

.%

.%

7.0%

4.8%

At 31 December 2009, UK gilts were yielding around 4.5% per annum. This is often referred to as the risk free 
rate of return as UK gilts have a negligible risk of default and the income payments and capital on redemption 
are guaranteed by the UK Government. The long-term expected return on equities has been determined by 
setting appropriate risk premiums above the yield on UK gilts. A long term equity “risk-premium” of 3.1% per 
annum has been assumed, this being the expected long-term out-performance of equities over UK gilts. The 
long-term expected return on bonds is determined by reference to UK long dated government and corporate 
bond yields at the balance sheet date. This is represented by the iboxx AA 15 year plus return.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		 Retirement	Benefit	Obligations	(continued)

The underlying asset split of the funds at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 was as follows:

Equities

Bonds

	December
00

31 December
2008

0%

0%

90%

10%

Applying the above expected long term rates of return to the asset distribution at 31 December 2009, gives 
rise to an expected overall rate of return of scheme assets of approximately 7.4% (2008: 6.8%) per annum.

The history of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme is as follows:

Present value of benefit 
obligations

Fair value of plan assets

Present value of net plan 
(obligations)/assets

31 December
2009
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

31 December
2007
$’000

31 December
2006
$’000

31 December
2005
$’000

(13,686)

13,573

(10,114)

10,392

(15,216)

15,470

(17,816)

13,092

(13,243)

8,092

(113)

278

254

(4,724)

(5,151)

Actuarial gain/(loss) on Asset

Actuarial (loss)/gain on liability

Total actuarial (loss)/gain

1,460

(2,079)

(619)

(2,923)

1,968

(955)

654

4,722

5,376

639

(1,015)

(376)

79

(1,874)

(1,795)

In accordance with the transitional provisions for the amendment to IAS 19 in December 2004, the disclosures 
in the above table are determined prospectively for the 1 June 2004 to 31 May 2005 reporting period.

The Group expects to contribute approximately $0.4 million of normal contribution to the defined benefit 
pension scheme for the year ended 31 December 2010.

0.	 Share	Options

On 17 January 2003, the Company adopted the Share Option Plan 2003, or the 2003 Plan, pursuant to which 
the Compensation and Organisation Committee of the Board may grant options to employees of the Company 
or its subsidiaries for the purchase of ordinary shares. Each grant of an option under the 2003 Plan will be 
evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the optionee and the Company. The exercise price will be 
specified in each Stock Option Agreement, however option prices will not be less than 100% of the fair market 
value of an ordinary share on the date the option is granted.

An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved under the 2003 Plan; and, in no event will the 
number of ordinary shares that may be issued pursuant to options awarded under the 2003 Plan exceed 10% 
of the outstanding shares, as defined in the 2003 Plan, at the time of the grant. Further, the maximum number 
of ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted under the 2003 Plan during any calendar year 
to any employee shall be 400,000 ordinary shares. No options can be granted after 17 January 2013.

Share option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s ordinary 
shares at date of grant. Share options typically vest over a period of five years from date of grant and expire eight 
years from date of grant. 



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

0.		Share	Options	(continued)

On 21 July 2008, the Company adopted the Employee Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Employee Plan”) 
pursuant to which the Compensation and Organisation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may 
grant options to any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company or a 
Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares. On the same date, the Company also adopted the Consultants 
Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Consultants Plan”), pursuant to which the Compensation and Organisation 
Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any consultant, adviser or non-Executive 
director retained by the Company or any Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares. Each option granted 
under the 2008 Employees Plan or the 2008 Consultants Plan (together the “2008 Option plans”) will be 
evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the optionee and the Company. The exercise price will be 
specified in each Stock Option Agreement, however option prices will not be less than 100% of the fair market 
value of an ordinary share on the date the option is granted.

An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved under the 2008 Employee Plan as reduced by 
any shares issued or to be issued pursuant to options granted under the 2008 Consultants Plan, under which a 
limit of 400,000 shares applies. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options 
may be granted under the 2008 Employee Option Plan during any calendar year to any employee shall be 
400,000 ordinary shares. There is no individual limit under the 2008 Consultants Option Plan. No options may 
be granted under the plans after 21 July 2018.

On 21 July 2008, the Company adopted the the 2008 Employees Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “2008 RSU 
Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organisation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors 
may select any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company or a 
Subsidiary to receive an award under the plan. An aggregate of 1.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved 
for issuance under the 2008 RSU Plan. Awards under the 2008 RSU may be settled in cash or shares.

Set out below is a summary of the total number of options outstanding and number of options available to 
grant under each plan as at 31 December 2009:

Outstanding

Available	to	Grant

	December
00

31 December
2008

	December
00

31 December
2008

1998 Long Term Incentive Plan

2003 Stock Option Plan

2008 Stock Option Plan

Total

,0,

,,0

,000

1,298,161

3,924,102

-

,0,

5,222,263

-

,

,,000

,00,

-

1,117,450

6,000,000

7,117,450

The 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan expired on 14 January 2008 and no further options may be granted under 
this plan.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

0.		Share	Options	(continued)

The total number of share options outstanding and exercisable at 31 December 2009 is as follows:

Outstanding at 31 December 2007

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2008

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2009

Exercisable at 31 December 2009

Number	of
Options	*

Weighted	Average
Exercise	Price	*

4,976,126

1,282,190

(847,707)

(188,346)

5,222,263

932,133

(489,370)

(256,804)

5,408,222

2,503,535

$12.27

$35.25

$10.05

$20.45

$17.98

$21.50

$9.03

$26.60

$18.99

$13.64

*Comparative figures have been amended to reflect the Bonus Issue which took place with an effective date of 
8 August 2008

At 31 December 2009, the range of exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual life of 
outstanding and exercisable options was as follows:

Options	Outstanding

Options	Exercisable

Range
Exercise
Price

Number	of
Shares

Weighted	Average	
Remaining
Contractual	Life

Weighted	Average
Exercise	Price

Number	of
Shares

Weighted	Average
Exercise	Price

$7.00

$7.25

$8.60

$8.88

$10.42

$11.00

$15.47

$15.84

$17.30

$18.00

191,730

1,200

838,650

410,659

60,000

821,399

900

103,000

24,000

90,000

1.08

0.08

3.17

2.17

4.08

4.17

7.33

7.33

4.67

4.08

$7.00

$7.25

$8.60

$8.88

$10.42

$11.00

$15.47

$15.84

$17.30

$18.00

191,730

1,200

697,266

410,659

60,000

454,671

-

-

14,400

50,000

$7.00

$7.25

$8.60

$8.88

$10.42

$11.00

$15.47

$15.84

$17.30

$18.00



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

0.		Share	Options	(continued)

Options	Outstanding

Options	Exercisable

Range
Exercise
Price

Number	of
Shares

Weighted	Average	
Remaining
Contractual	Life

Weighted	Average
Exercise	Price

Number	of
Shares

Weighted	Average
Exercise	Price

$18.98

$19.94

$21.25

$21.76

$22.10

$22.26

$22.60

$26.27

$35.33

$36.05

$36.20

$41.25

9,000

2,000

960,180

2,450

11,000

779,398

2,000

6,000

1,085,656

6,000

2,000

1,000

$7.00 - $41.25 

5,408,222

6.92

7.17

5.17

5.33

7.58

7.17

5.67

6.83

6.17

6.42

6.33

6.67

4.84

$18.98

$19.94

$21.25

$21.76

$22.10

$22.26

$22.60

$26.27

$35.33

$36.05

$36.20

$41.25

$18.99

1,800

-

396,144

980

-

-

800

1,200

220,585

1,500

400

200

2,503,535

$18.98

$19.94

$21.25

$21.76

$22.10

$22.26

$22.60

$26.27

$35.33

$36.05

$36.20

$41.25

$13.64

The overall weighted average fair value of share options granted by the Company during the year ended  
31 December 2009 was $9.35 based on the following grants:

Grant	Date	

25-Feb-09

2-Mar-09

30-Apr-09

1- May-09

24-Jul-09

Number	of	
Shares

Weighted	Average	
Share	price

815,233

2,000

103,000

900

11,000

932,133

$22.26

$19.94

$15.84

$15.47

$22.10

$21.54

The overall weighted average fair value of share options granted by the Company during the year ended 31 
December 2008 was $13.01 based on the following grants:

Grant	Date	

26-Feb-08

2-May-08

26-May-08

1-Aug-08

1-Sep-08

24-Oct-08

14-Nov-08

Number	of	
Shares

Weighted	Average	
Share	price

1,236,190

2,000

6,000

20,000

1,000

8,000

9,000

1,282,190

$35.33

$36.20

$36.04

$40.81

 $41.25

$26.27

$18.98

$35.25

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

0.		Share	Options	(continued)

The fair values of options granted during the year ended 31 December 2009 and the year ended 31 December 
2008 were calculated using a binomial option-pricing-model, using the following assumptions:

Weighted average share price

Weighted average exercise price

Expected volatility (1)

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free rate (2)

Rate of forced early exercise

Year	ended
	December
00

Year ended
31 December
2008

$.

$.

%

-

.%-.%

0%	p.a.

$35.25

$35.25

35%

-

3.3%

10% p.a.

Minimum gain for voluntary early exercise 

%	of	exercise	price

25% of exercise price

Rate of voluntary early exercise at minimum gain 

0%	per	annum

60% per annum

(1)  Expected volatility has been determined based upon the volatility of the Company’s share price over a 

period which is commensurate with the expected term of the options granted.

(2)  Risk free rate is dependant on the grant date.

On 7 August 2008, the Company issued 6,280 restricted share units to certain employees of the Group. These 
shares are exercisable over periods ranging from 26 February 2009, to 26 February 2011. The market value of 
the Company’s shares on date of issue was $41.95.

Operating profit for the year ended 31 December 2009, is stated after charging $8.1 million in respect of non-
cash stock compensation expense. Non-cash stock compensation expense has been allocated to direct costs 
and other operating expenses as follows:

Direct costs

Other operating expenses

Total compensation costs

Year	Ended	
December	00
$’000

Year Ended 31
December 2008
$’000

,

,0

,0

4,767

3,885

8,652

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

Land
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Computer	
equipment

$’000	

Office
furniture	&
fixtures
$’000	

	Laboratory	
equipment
$’000	

Motor
vehicles
$’000

Total
$’000	

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2009

3,850

Additions 

Disposals 

Arising on acquisition

Foreign currency 
adjustment

75,562

3,039

-

-

15,060

9,757

(816)

16

59,863

5,376

(580)

15

53,048

1,983

(2,209)

41

18,582

2,343

(340)

289

-

-

-

129

1,708

745

1,348

1,448

954

106

226,071

-

22,498

(63)

(4,008)

-

-

361

6,332

At		December	00 ,

0,0

,

,0

,

,



,

Depreciation

At 1 January 2009

Charge for year

Eliminated on disposal

Foreign currency 
adjustment

At		December	00

-

-

-

-

-

Net	book	value
At		December	00 ,

3,747

2,152

-

133

7,921

3,153

(608)

37,274

8,651

(411)

19,170

6,254

(1,320)

7,723

2,338

(79)

270

881

757

405

74

75,909

(56)

22,492

-

-

(2,418)

2,446

,0

0,

,

,

0,



,

,

,0

,

,0

,



,

At 31 December 2008 3,850

71,815

7,139

22,589

33,878

10,859

32

150,162

Total asset cost at 31 December 2009 includes $907,000 (31 December 2008: $1,054,000) relating to 
computer equipment held under finance leases. Related accumulated depreciation amounted to $357,000  
(31 December 2008: $303,000). Depreciation expense of $22.5 million (31 December 2008: $19.8 million) has 
been charged in ‘other operating expenses’ in the Consolidated income statement.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	(continued)

Land
$’000

Buildings
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Computer	
equipment
$’000	

Office
furniture	&
fixtures
$’000	

	Laboratory	
equipment
$’000	

Motor
vehicles
$’000

Total
$’000	

Group

Cost

At 1 January 2008

4,100

Additions 

Disposals 

Arising on acquisition

Foreign currency 
adjustment

62,631

16,413

-

-

12,843

4,309

(957)

232

49,106

14,208

(267)

23

40,463

16,827

(477)

24

11,179

7,372

126

180,448

91

59,220

-

(108)

(1,809)

2,648

14

2,941

-

-

-

(250)

(3,482)

(1,367)

(3,207)

(3,789)

(2,617)

(17)

(14,729)

At		December	00 ,0

,

,00

,

,0

,

0

,0

Depreciation

At 1 January 2008

Charge for year

Eliminated on disposal

Foreign currency 
adjustment

At		December	00

-

-

-

-

-

Net	book	value
At		December	00 ,0

2,498

1,390

-

5,892

3,247

(747)

31,230

8,146

(227)

16,135

5,156

(271)

6,913

1,817

97

77

62,765

19,833

-

(83)

(1,328)

(141)

(471)

(1,875)

(1,850)

(1,007)

(17)

(5,361)

,

,

,

,0

,



,0

,

,

,

,

0,



0,

At 31 December 2007 4,100

60,133

6,951

17,876

24,328

4,266

29

117,683

Total asset cost at 31 December 2008 includes $1,054,000 (31 December 2007: $1,043,000) relating to 
computer equipment held under finance leases. Related accumulated depreciation amounted to $303,000  
(31 December 2007: $869,000). Building additions for the year ended 31 December 2008 includes  
$885,000 interest capitalised. These assets were completed in 2008. Depreciation expense of $19.8 million  
(31 December 2007: $13.4 million) has been charged in ‘other operating expenses’ in the consolidated income 
statement.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

12.	 Intangible	assets	–	goodwill	and	other

Computer
Software
$’000

Customer
Relationships
$’000	

Volunteer
List
$’000

Order
Backlog
$’000

Goodwill
$’000

Total
$’000

Group

Cost:

At 1 January 2008

Additions

Arising on acquisition

Foreign exchange 
movement 

At 1 January 2009

Additions

Disposal

Arising on acquisition

Prior period acquisition

Foreign exchange 
movement 

31	December	2009

Accumulated	
amortisation:

At 1 January 2008

Amortised in the year

Foreign exchange 
movement

At 1 January 2009

Amortised in the year

Disposal

Foreign exchange 
movement

56,250

11,518

(36)

-

-

1,014

68,746

35,086

7,441

(19)

774

At	31	December	2009

43,282

Net	book	value

45,447

12,491

-

2,155

-

8,940

-

-

1,325

(1,688)

(90)

-

11,005

1,325

-

-

352

240

47

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,470

137,888

185,490

-

55,674

12,491

65,939

(10,209)

(11,987)

183,353

251,933

-

-

1,584

(836)

11,518

(36)

1,936

874

-

3,476

4,537

11,644

1,325

1,470

187,577

270,762

29,704

6,485

360

1,220

(1,103)

(64)

-

190

-

190

217

-

-

-

-

-

-

493

-

-

407

493

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

30,064

7,895

(1,167)

36,792

10,167

(19)

823

47,763

1,516

2,016

-

49

3,581

At	31	December	2009

25,464

8,063

918

977

187,577

222,999

At 31 December 2008

21,164

9,489

1,135

-

183,353

215,141

Amortisation of $10.2 million (31 December 2008: $7.9 million) is included in ‘other operating expenses’ in the 
income statement.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

73

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Intangible	assets	–	goodwill	and	other

Two cash generating units have been identified by the Group as follows:

Clinical Research 

Central Laboratory

00
$’000

2008
$’000

,

183,353

-

-

,

183,353

An impairment charge of the carrying value of the goodwill of the central laboratory cash generating unit was 
recorded in a prior period. The recoverable amount of the clinical research cash generating unit is based on a 
value in use computation. This is determined based upon the present value of expected future cash flows for 
the cash generating unit for a period of five years forward from date of review. Key assumptions used in 
determining expected future cash flows include management’s estimate of future profitability, replacement 
capital expenditure requirements, trade working capital investment needs and tax considerations. 
Management’s estimates are based upon past experience and expected growth rates for the industry. 
Management has assumed an expected growth rate in revenues of 7% (2008: 12%) in each of the five years 
and an expected growth rate in costs of 5% in each of the five years. At the end of the five year period terminal 
values for each CGU, based on a price earnings ratio of 12 (2008: 12), are used in the calculations. The 
cashflows and terminal values are discounted using a discount rate of 15% (2008: 12.5%). A sensitivity 
analysis was performed using a discount rate of 20% and resulted in excess of recoverable amount over the 
carrying value of the cash generating unit. At the year end no reasonable change made in assumptions could 
result in an impairment.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Business	Combinations

The Group adopted the revised IFRS 3 Business Combinations in 2009 and applied it prospectively from 1 
January 2009. The revised standard continues to apply the acquisition method to business combinations but 
with some significant changes including the requirement for all acquisition-related costs to be expensed. The 
adoption of the revised IFRS 3 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results from 
operations. The acquisitions of Qualia Clinical Services Inc. and Veeda Laboratories Ltd. have been accounted 
for as a business combination in accordance with the revised IFRS 3.

(a)	Acquisition	of	Qualia	Clinical	Services	Inc.	and	Veeda	Laboratories	Ltd.

During the year ended 31 December 2009, the Group completed the acquisitions of Qualia Clinical Services, 
Inc., a Phase 1 facility located in Omaha, Nebraska and Veeda Laboratories Limited, a specialist provider of 
biomarker laboratory services to the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, located in Oxford, 
United Kingdom, neither of which are considered individually significant. In aggregate, the total cash 
consideration for these acquisitions was approximately $2.2 million. The excess of the consideration paid over 
the carrying value of the assets acquired of $0.6 million, has been recorded as goodwill of $1.6 million.

The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

Property, plant and equipment

Cash 

Other current assets 

Current liabilities

Non current liabilities

Goodwill

Intangible assets- customer relationships

Purchase price

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Fair	Value
Adjustment
$’000

361

32

423

(507)

(12)

-

-

-

-

(19)

-

-

1,584

352

Fair
Value
$’000

361

32

404

(507)

(12)

1,584

352

2,214

Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the provision of Phase I 
clinical trial management services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The value of certain 
customer relationships identified are being amortised over 3 years, the estimated period of benefit.

The proforma effect of the Qualia Clinical Services Inc. and Veeda Laboratories Ltd. acquisitions if completed 
on 1 January 2009 would have resulted in revenue and profit for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2009 as 
follows:

Revenue

Profit for the year 

	$’000

888,048

92,296

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Business	Combinations	(continued)

(b)	Acquisition	of	remaining	0%	interest	in	Beacon	Biosciences	Inc.

On 1 July 2004, the Group acquired 70% of the common stock of Beacon Biosciences Inc. (“Beacon”), a 
leading specialist CRO, which provides a range of medical imaging services to the pharmaceutical, 
biotechnology and medical device industries, for an initial cash consideration of $9.9 million, excluding costs 
of acquisition. On 31 December 2008, the remaining 30% of the common stock was acquired by the Group for 
$17.4 million, excluding costs of acquisition. Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition 
agreement for the remaining 30% of Beacon requiring potential additional consideration of up to $3.0 million if 
these milestones were achieved during the year ended 31 December 2009. At 31 December 2009, no amounts 
have been accrued in respect of the additional consideration payable, as these milestones have not been 
achieved.

The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of 
acquisition.

Property, plant and equipment

Cash

Other current assets 

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Goodwill

Intangible assets-order back log

Intangible assets –customer relationships

Purchase price

Cash payment

Acquisition costs

Purchase Price

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Fair	Value
Adjustment
$’000

704

1,001

1,685

(1,689)

(200)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,569

1,470

240

Fair
Value
$’000

704

1,001

1,685

(1,689)

(200)

14,569

1,470

240

17,780

$’000

17,400

380

17,780

The value of certain customer relationships and order backlog are being amortised over 3 years, the estimated 
period of benefit. The acquisition of the remaining 30% in Beacon Bioscience Inc., if completed on 1 January 
2008, would have had no impact on revenue. The profoma effect on profit for the fiscal year ended 31 
December 2008 would have been as follows:

Profit for the year 

$’000

64,762



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Business	Combinations	(continued)

(c)	Acquisition	of	Prevalere	Life	Sciences	Inc.

On 14 November 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the common stock of Prevalere Life Sciences Inc. 
(“Prevalere”), for an initial cash consideration of $37.6 million, excluding costs of acquisition. Prevalere, located 
in Whitesboro, New York, is a leading provider of bioanalytical and immunoassay services to pharmaceutical 
and biotechnology companies. Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition agreement 
requiring potential additional consideration of up to $8.2 million if certain performance milestones were 
achieved during the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2009.

On 30 April 2009, $5.0 million was paid in respect of the milestones for the year ended 31 December 2008. No 
amounts have been accrued at 31 December 2009 in respect of the milestones for the year ended 31 
December 2009, as these milestones have not been achieved.

The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of 
acquisition.

Property, plant and equipment

Cash

Other current assets 

Current liabilities

Goodwill

Intangible assets- customer relationships

Purchase Price

Cash payment

Acquisition costs

Purchase Price

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Fair	Value
Adjustment
$’000

2,614

270

6,504

(2,577)

-

-

-

-

-

-

29,244

7,375

Fair
Value
$’000

2,614

270

6,504

(2,577)

29,244

7,375

43,430

$’000

42,682

748

43,430

Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the provision of bioanalytical 
and immunoassay services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and allows ICON to participate in 
a growing market for these services. The value of certain customer relationships identified are being amortised 
over periods ranging from approximately 7 to 11 years, the estimated period of the benefit.

The acquisition of Prevalere, if completed on 1 January 2008 would have resulted in revenue and profit for the 
fiscal year ended 31 December 2009 as follows:

Revenue

Profit for the year 

$’000

879,940

70,368

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Business	Combinations	(continued)

(d)	Acquisition	of	Healthcare	Discoveries	Inc.

On 11 February 2008, the Group acquired 100% of the common stock of Healthcare Discoveries Inc. 
(“Healthcare Discoveries”) for an initial cash consideration of approximately $10.9 million, excluding costs of 
acquisition. Healthcare Discoveries, located in San Antonio, Texas, USA, is engaged in the provision of Phase I 
clinical trial management services. Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition agreement 
requiring payment of additional consideration of up to $10.0 million if certain performance milestones were 
achieved during the year ended 31 December 2008. No amounts were accrued at 31 December 2008, as the 
milestones were not achieved.

The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of 
acquisition.

Property, plant and equipment

Cash 

Other current assets 

Current liabilities

Goodwill

Intangible assets – customer relationships

Intangible assets- volunteer list

Purchase Price

Cash Payment

Acquisition Costs

Purchase Price

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Fair	Value
Adjustment
$’000

327

5

575

(1,951)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,995

1,565

1,325

Fair
Value
$’000

327

5

575

(1,951)

9,995

1,565

1,325

11,841

$’000

10,866

975

11,841

Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the provision of Phase I 
clinical trial management services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The value of certain 
customer relationships identified are being amortised over a period ranging from approximately 2 to 9 years, 
the estimated period of benefit. The value of certain volunteer lists identified is being amortised over 
approximately 6 years, the estimated period of benefit.

The acquisition of Healthcare Discoveries, if completed on 1 January 2008 would have resulted in revenue and 
profit for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2008 as follows:

Revenue

Profit for the year 

	$’000

865,723

63,957



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Other	non-current	assets

Lease prepayments

Other non-current assets

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0

,

,

5,149

1,333

6,482

Other non-current assets include lease deposits paid in respect of certain premises leased by the Group. 
Lease deposits are refundable on expiry of the related leases.

.	 Inventories

Laboratory inventories

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

3,357

The cost of inventories is recognised as an expense and included in other operating expenses in the income 
statement. $21.4 million (2008: $20.5 million) was charged in the income statement for the year ended  
31 December 2009.

.	 Accounts	receivable

Accounts receivable

Less amounts provided for doubtful debts

Accounts receivable, net

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

(,0)

,

218,009

(7,474)

210,535

Movement on the accounts receivable impairment provision during the year was as follows:

Accounts	receivable	impairment	provision:

Balance at start of year

Amounts used during the year

Amounts (released)/provided during the year

Balance at end of year

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

(,0)

()

,0

319

(199)

7,354

7,474

All receivables are due within twelve months of the balance sheet date.

A provision for impairment is recognised where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to 
collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivable. At 31 December 2009, the Group 
recognised an impairment provision of $5.2 million (2008: $7.5 million)

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Accounts	receivable	(continued)

The carrying amounts of the Group’s accounts receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Currency

US Dollar

Euro

Sterling

Other Currencies

.	 Other	current	assets

Prepayments

Other receivables

Retirement benefit net plan assets

Total

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

,

,

,

143,219

55,009

10,060

2,247

,

210,535

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

,

-

,

16,672

10,918

278

27,868

Other current assets do not contain any impaired assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting 
date is the carrying value of each receivable. The Group does not hold any collateral as security.

.	 Current	asset	investments

At start of year

Additions

Disposals

At end of year

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

,0

(,)

,

41,752

15,000

(14,026)

42,726

The Group invests surplus cash balances in floating rate and medium term minimum “A” rated corporate 
securities. The investments are reported at fair value, with unrealised gains or losses reported in shareholders’ 
equity. In the years ended 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2009, no unrealised gains or losses arose. 
Any differences between the cost and fair value of the investments are represented by accrued interest.

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

 
Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

Short-term deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

0.		Accrued	and	other	liabilities

Non-current	other	liabilities:

Deferred government grants (note 21)

Finance lease obligations (note 26)

Other non current liabilities

Total

Current	accrued	and	other	liabilities:

Accrued liabilities

Accrued salary and bonus

Accrued social welfare cost

Lease accruals

Deferred government grants (note 21)

Finance lease obligations (note 26)

Acquisition consideration payable

Retirement benefit net plan liabilities

Restructuring provisions (note 7)

Total

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

,

,0

36,399

21,979

58,378

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0



,

,

1,386

470

1,410

3,266

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

0,

,

,

0





-



,

,

44,082

51,647

8,757

2,508

144

263

22,400

-

-

129,801

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Deferred	government	grants

At beginning of year

Amortised during the year 

Acquired during the year

Foreign exchange movement

At end of year

Current

Non-current

Total

.		Bank	credit	lines	and	loan	facilities

Current maturities

Non-current maturities

Total	bank	credit	lines	and	loan	facilities

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0

()

0



,0



,0

,0

1,304

(126)

-

352

1,530

144

1,386

1,530

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

-

-

-

40,193

65,186

105,379

On 9 July 2007, the Company entered into a five year committed multi-currency facility agreement for €35 
million ($50.1 million) with Bank of Ireland. The facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the EURIBOR 
plus a margin and is secured by certain composite guarantees and indemnities and pledges in favour of the 
bank. At 31 December 2009, €26.2 million ($37.5 million) was available to be drawn under this facility.

On 22 December 2008, a committed credit facility was negotiated with Allied Irish Bank plc. The facility 
comprised a one year Euro facility of €20 million ($28.6 million). The facility bore interest at EURIBOR plus a 
margin and was secured by certain composite guarantees and pledges in favour of the bank.

On 22 December 2008, a committed three year US dollar credit facility was negotiated with Allied Irish Bank 
plc for $50 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain composite 
guarantees and pledges in favour of the bank. At 31 December 2009, $50 million was available to be drawn 
under this facility.

On 2 January 2009, an additional four year committed credit facility was negotiated with Bank of Ireland for 
$25 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain composite guarantees, 
indemnities and pledges in favour of the bank. At 31 December 2009, $25 million was available to be drawn 
under this facility.

On 29 May 2009, committed credit facilities were negotiated with Citibank Europe for $20 million. These 
facilities comprise a 364 day facility of $10 million and a three year facility of $10 million. On the same day, a 
committed 364 day credit facility of $30 million was negotiated with JP Morgan. These facilities bear interest at 
LIBOR plus a margin and are secured by certain composite guarantees and pledges in favour of the bank. As 
at 31 December 2009, no amounts were drawn under these facilities.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Bank	credit	lines	and	loan	facilities	(continued)

The average margin payable on drawn balances at 31 December 2009 was zero (2008: 1.70 per cent)

The carrying amount of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies

Currency

Euro

US Dollar

.	 Share	capital

Group	and	Company

Authorised	share	capital:

Ordinary shares of par value €0.06

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

-

-

-

76,890

28,489

105,379

No.	of	Ordinary	Shares

100,000,000

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

Allotted,	called	up	and	fully	paid

59,007,565 (31 December 2008: 58,518,195) ordinary shares of €0.06 each

,

4,921

On 21 July 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase in the Company’s authorised share capital 
from 40 million ordinary shares of par value €0.06 to 100 million ordinary shares of par value €0.06.

Issued,	fully	paid	share	capital

At beginning of year

Bonus issue

Employee share options exercised

At end of year

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

-



,

2,127

2,752

42

4,921

Holders of Ordinary shares will be entitled to receive such dividends as may be recommended by the board of 
Directors of the Company and approved by the shareholders and/or such interim dividends as the board of 
Directors of the Company may decide. On liquidation or a winding up of the Company, the par value of the 
Ordinary Shares will be repaid out of the assets available for distribution among the holders of the Company’s 
American Depository Shares (“ADSs”) and Ordinary Shares not otherwise represented by ADSs. Holders of 
Ordinary Shares have no conversion or redemption rights.

During the year ended 31 December 2009, 489,370 options were exercised by employees for total proceeds of 
$4.4 million. During the year ended 31 December 2008, 847,707 options were exercised by employees for total 
proceeds of $8.5 million.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Share	capital	(continued)

On 21 July 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved a bonus issue of ordinary shares (the “Bonus Issue”) 
to shareholders of record as of the close of business on 8 August 2008 (the “Record Date”). The Bonus Issue 
provided for each shareholder to receive one bonus ordinary share for each ordinary share held as of the 
Record Date, affecting the equivalent of a 2-for-1 stock split. The Bonus shares were issued on 11 August 
2008, to Ordinary Shareholders and on 12 August 2008, to holders of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”). 
NASDAQ adjusted the trading price of the Company’s ADSs to affect the Bonus Issue prior to the opening of 
trading on 13 August 2008. All outstanding ordinary share and share option amounts referenced in the 
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto have been retrospectively restated to give effect to the 
Bonus Issue as if had occurred as of the date referenced.

.	 Capital	and	reserves

Reserve	Descriptions

Other Reserves 
The Group has recognised a non-distributable reserve of $1.4 million in accordance with agreements made 
between the Group and Enterprise Ireland, an Irish government agency. In 2005 the Group also recognised a 
share-based compensation charge of $6.0 million being the fair value of outstanding ordinary shares 
transferred to Mr Peter Gray, Chief Executive Officer, by founding Directors, Dr. John Climax and Dr. Ronan 
Lambe.

Option Reserve 
The Option Reserve is used to account for share-based payments. The fair value of share-based payments is 
expensed to the income statement over the period the related services are received, with a corresponding 
increase in equity. As at 31 December 2009, the Group has recognised a cumulative charge for share-based 
payments of $36.3 million net of deferred tax (2008: $28.2 million). The Group has also recognised a 
cumulative credit of $10.0 million (2008: $8.9 million) in reserves for the current and deferred tax effects of the 
realised tax benefits relating to the exercise of employee share options in excess of related cumulative 
compensation expense. The Group has transferred a cumulative credit of $15.4 million (2008: $9.1 million) to 
retained earnings in respect of exercised and expired share based awards.

Currency Reserve 
The currency reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of foreign currency denominated operations of the Group since 1 June 2004.

Retained Earnings 
In addition to the profit/loss for the financial period the Group also recognises the actuarial gain/loss on the 
defined benefit pension scheme in this reserve. In 2009 the Group recognised an actuarial loss of $0.6 million 
on the defined benefit pension scheme (31 December 2008: actuarial loss of $1.0 million). The Group has 
transferred a cumulative credit of $15.4 million (2008: $9.1 million) from the options reserve to retained 
earnings in respect of exercised and expired share based awards.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Financial	Instruments

The Group is exposed to various financial risks in the normal course of the business. The Group’s financial 
instruments typically comprise investment securities, short-term receivables, cash, bank borrowings and 
payables. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Group’s operations.

The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments.

n	

n	

credit risk

liquidity risk

n	 market risk

n	

interest rate risk

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk 
management framework. The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the 
risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to 
limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions 
and the Group’s activities. The Group, through its training and management standards and procedures, aims to 
develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and 
obligations.

The Group Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk 
management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation 
to the risks faced by the Group.

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to 
meet its contractual obligations and arises in respect of current asset investments, cash and cash equivalents, 
unbilled revenue and accounts receivable.

The Group invests significant cash balances, which are classified as current asset investments, on a short-term 
basis. In order to manage credit risk the Group only transacts with counterparties that are major financial 
institutions. Funds may be invested in the form of floating rate notes and medium term minimum “A” rated 
corporate securities. The aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one counterparty is reviewed on a 
regular basis. The maximum exposure arising in the event of default by any counterparty is the carrying value 
of the amount invested. During the year ended 31 December 2009, $49.2 million (2008: $42.7 million) of the 
total portfolio was held in US dollar investments.

The Group manages credit risk in respect of customers by ensuring credit procedures, including evaluation of 
all new customers and ongoing account monitoring, are in place. The Group does not have significant 
concentration of credit risk at the balance sheet date. During the year ended 31 December 2009, revenue was 
derived from approximately 650 clients, including all of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies as ranked by 
2008 revenue. During the year ended 31 December 2009, approximately 27% of revenue was derived from the 
Group’s top five clients, while the top five clients accounted for 29% of revenue during the year ended 31 
December 2008. No one client accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the years ended 31 December 
2009 and 31 December 2008.

A provision for impairment is recognised when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to 
collect all amounts due according to original terms of the receivable. The Group constantly monitors its 
exposure to impairment of its accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances by regularly reviewing and 
managing the number of days revenue outstanding. Days revenue comprises accounts receivable and unbilled 
revenue, less payments on account. The number of days revenue outstanding was 33 days at 31 December 
2009 and 70 days at 31 December 2008.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Financial	Instruments	(continued)

Details of the Group’s accounts receivable balances as at 31 December 2009, including impairment losses 
thereon, are set out in note 16.

The maximum exposure to credit risk for accounts receivable and unbilled revenue at the reporting date was 
their carrying value. The carrying value of accounts receivable and unbilled revenue by geographic region at 
31 December 2009 was as follows:

Europe 

United States

Rest of World

Total

Accounts	Receivable

Unbilled	Revenue

00
$’000

,0

,

,

,

2008
$’000

78,613

128,298

3,624

210,535

00
$’000

,

,0

,

,00

2008
$’000

51,472

86,033

4,222

141,727

Foreign exchange gains and losses recognised on the above balances are recognised in other operating 
expenses with the exception of foreign exchange gains and losses on bank credit lines and loan facilities, 
which are recorded in finance income or finance expense as applicable.

Liquidity	risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The 
Group’s liquidity risk arises from the repayment of short-term debt and other obligations as they fall due. The 
Group manages liquidity risk by ensuring adequate credit facilities are in place, maintaining headroom on its 
banking facilities and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash. The Group was in compliance with 
all loan agreement terms throughout the period.

The following table sets out details of the maturity of the Group’s financial liabilities into the relevant maturity 
groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to contractual maturity date:

	December	00

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Contractual
Cashflows
$’000

	mths	
or	less
$’000

-	mths
$’000

-	years
$’000

-	years
$’000

More	than
	years
$’000

Finance lease liabilities

(483)

(500)

(170)

(170)

(160)

Accounts payable

(12,123)

(12,123)

(12,123)

Other liabilities

(121,168)

(121,168)

(118,479)

-

-

(133,774)

(133,791)

(130,772)

(170)

-

(2,689)

(2,849)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Financial	Instruments	(continued)

	December	00

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Contractual
Cashflows
$’000

	mths	
or	less
$’000

-	mths
$’000

-	years
$’000

-	years
$’000

More	than
	years
$’000

Bank credit lines and 
loan facilities

(105,379)

(113,417)

(42,204)

(1,638)

(55,046)

(14,529)

Finance lease liabilities

(733)

(779)

(146)

(146)

(327)

(160)

Accounts payable

(17,505)

(17,505)

(17,505)

Other liabilities

(130,804)

(130,804)

(129,394)

-

-

-

(1,410)

-

-

(254,421)

(262,505)

(189,249)

(1,784)

(56,783)

(14,689)

-

-

-

-

-

Details of the Group’s borrowings are set out in note 22 to the Group financial statements.

Market	Risk

Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates will 
affect the Group’s income or the value of its holding of financial instruments. The principal market risks to which 
the Group is exposed include foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. The Group uses derivative financial 
instruments and interest rate instruments solely to hedge exposure to these market risks but does not enter into 
these instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  The Company had no interest rate instruments or 
derivative financial instruments as at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008.

Foreign	Currency	Risk

Although domiciled in Ireland, the Group reports its results in U.S. dollars. As a consequence the results of 
non-U.S. based operations, when translated into U.S. dollars, could be affected by fluctuations in exchange 
rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of those operations.

In addition to translation exposures, the Group is also subject to transaction exposures because the currency 
in which contracts are priced can be different from the currencies in which costs relating to those contracts are 
incurred. The Group’s operations in the United States are not materially exposed to such currency differences 
as the majority of revenues and costs are in U.S. dollars. However, outside the United States the multinational 
nature of the Group’s activities means that contracts are usually priced in a single currency, most often U.S. 
dollars, Euros or pounds Sterling, while costs arise in a number of currencies, depending, among other things, 
on which of the Group’s offices provide staff for the contract, and the location of investigator sites. Although 
many such contracts benefit from some degree of natural hedging due to the matching of contract revenues 
and costs in the same currency, where costs are incurred in currencies other than those in which contracts are 
priced, fluctuations in the relative value of those currencies could have a material effect on the results of the 
Group’s operations. The Group regularly reviews currency exposures and, when appropriate, hedges a portion 
of these, using forward exchange contracts, where they are not covered by natural hedges. In addition, we 
usually negotiate currency fluctuation clauses in our contracts which allow for price negotiation if certain 
exchange rate triggers occur.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Financial	Instruments	(continued)

The following table sets out the Group’s transaction risk in relation to financial assets and liabilities at the 
balance sheet date:

Accounts
Receivable
00
$’000

31,237

6,603

2,418

1,143

41,401

Accounts
Receivable
00
$’000

20,941

5,577

5,002

1,020

32,540

Unbilled
Revenue/
Payments	
on	account
00
$’000

Cash	and	
Cash
Equivalents
00
$’000

Bank	Credit
Lines	and	
Loan	
Facilities
00
$’000

Total
Transaction
risk
00
$’000

(64,213)

(1,937)

(2,438)

5,802

(62,786)

996

512

396

1,772

3,676

-

-

-

-

-

(31,980)

5,178

376

8,717

(17,709)

Unbilled
Revenue/
Payments	
on	account
00
$’000

Cash	and	
Cash
Equivalents
00
$’000

11,795

8,829

12,704

1,660

34,988

1,114

2,473

972

(246)

4,313

Bank	Credit
Lines	and	
Loan	
Facilities
00
$’000

(28,489)

-

-

-

(28,489)

Total
Transaction
risk
00
$’000

5,361

16,879

18,678

2,434

43,352

U.S. Dollar

Sterling

Euro

Other

Total

U.S. Dollar

Sterling

Euro

Other

Total

The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:

Euro

Pound Sterling

Average	Rate

Closing	Rate

00

.0

.

2008

1.47688

1.88552

00

.0

.0

2008

1.39800

1.46280

A 10% strengthening or weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro and Sterling from the 31 December 2009 
rates based on the underlying currencies as per the above table would have increased or decreased profit by 
$1.8 million (31 December 2008 $4.3 million). This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant.

Interest	Rate	Risk

The Group finances its operations through a mixture of shareholders’ funds, borrowings and working capital. 
The Group borrows in desired currencies at both fixed and floating rates of interest. In general the Group 
borrows at floating rates of interest but may borrow at fixed rates depending on rates available. The Group 
determines the level of borrowings at fixed rates of interest having regard to current market rates and future 
trends. At 31 December 2009, the Group had repaid all of its borrowings. Details of the Group’s negotiated 
facilities are set out in note 22 to the consolidated financial statements.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Financial	Instruments	(continued)

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk in respect of current asset investments and cash on deposit. The 
Group invests significant cash balances, which are classified as current asset investments, on a short-term 
basis. These funds may be invested in the form of floating rate notes and medium term minimum “A” rated 
corporate securities. The composition of the Group’s investment portfolio is monitored on an ongoing basis 
having regard to current market rates and future trends in order to minimise exposure to interest rate risk.

The sensitivity analysis below represents the hypothetical change in our interest income/(expense) based on 
an immediate 1% movement in market interest rates.

Interest	Income

Interest	Expense

As Reported

Effect of change in market interest rate on profit:

1% Increase

1% Decrease

00
$’000



,

-

This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant.

Fair	Values

2008
$’000

2,881

00
$’000

2008
$’000

(,0)

(4,105)

3,882

1,860

(,0)

(,0)

(5,757)

(3,649)

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet, 
are as follows:

Accounts receivable

Unbilled revenue

Current asset investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Other receivables

Accounts payable

Finance lease liabilities

Payments on account

Bank credit lines and loan facilities

Other liabilities

	December	00

31 December 2008

Carrying
Amount
$’000

,

,00

,

,0

,

0,0

Fair
Value
$’000

,

,00

,

,0

,

0,0

(,)

()

(,)

()

(,)

(,)

-

(,)

(,)

-

(,)

(,)

Carrying
Amount
$’000

210,535

141,727

42,726

58,378

16,554

Fair
Value
$’000

210,535

141,727

42,726

58,378

16,554

469,920

469,920

(17,505)

(733)

(121,935)

(105,379)

(108,762)

(354,314)

(17,505)

(733)

(121,935)

(105,698)

(108,762)

(354,633)

The carrying values of accounts receivable, less impairment provision, unbilled revenue, payments on account 
and accounts payable are assumed to be approximate to their fair values due to the short-term nature of these 
balances.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Financial	Instruments	(continued)

Current asset investments are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in the statement of 
recognised income and expense. The fair value of current asset investments is their market price at the 
balance sheet date.

The fair value of bank credit lines and loan facilities and finance lease obligations for disclosure purposes is 
calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate 
of interest at the reporting date. The carrying value of bank credit lines and loan facilities and finance lease 
obligations at 31 December 2009 was approximate to their fair value.

We disclose our financial instruments that are measured in the balance sheet at fair value using the following 
fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs. The hierarchy prioritises the inputs into three levels based on the extent 
to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Each fair value measurement is 
reported in one of the three levels, which is determined by the lowest level input that is significant to the fair 
value measurement in its entirety. These levels are:

Level 1:

Level 2:

Level 3:

Inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments 
traded in active markets.

Inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active 
markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that 
are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all 
significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be 
corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the 
assets or liabilities.

Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s 
estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the 
asset or liability.

The following table sets forth our assets that are measured at fair value on the balance sheet as of  
31 December 2009:

Quoted	Prices
in	Active	Markets

Level	

US$’000

Other
Observable	
Inputs

Level	

US$’000

Unobservable
Inputs

Level	

US$’000

Total

US$’000

Current asset investments

49,227

-

-

49,227

Capital	management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in 
order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, to ensure availability of sufficient 
capital to sustain future development of the business and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the 
cost of capital. The capital structure of the Group is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure achievement of 
these objectives.

The Group has financed its operations and growth since inception primarily with cash flows from operations, 
proceeds raised in its initial public offering in May 1998, proceeds raised in its public offering in August 2003 
and borrowings as applicable. The Group may issue further shares or raise additional debt in order to maintain 
its optimum capital structure.

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Financial	Instruments	(continued)

At 31 December 2009 the Group’s capital structure comprises finance lease obligations, current asset 
investments, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising 
issued capital, reserves and retained earning as disclosed in note 24.

Total capital at 31 December 2009 comprised of the following:

Bank credit lines and loan facilities (note 22)

Finance lease obligations (note 26)

Cash and cash equivalents (note 19)

Current asset investments (note 18)

Net cash/(debt)

Shareholders Equity

Total Capital

The Group’s gearing ratio at 31 December 2009 was -% (2008: 22.4%).

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

-

()

,0

,

,

,

,

(105,379)

(733)

58,378

42,726

(5,008) 

474,126

469,118

.	 Lease	commitments

The Company has several non-cancellable operating leases, primarily for facilities, that expire over the next 10 
years. These leases generally contain renewal options and require the Company to pay all executory costs 
such as maintenance and insurance. Future minimum rental commitments for operating leases with non-
cancellable terms are as follows:

Less than one year
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
More than five years
Total

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,
,0
,00
,0
0,
,
,

38,227
33,928
26,617
21,995
18,216
29,657
168,640

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Lease	commitments	(continued)

The Group has obligations under finance leases for certain items of property, plant and equipment as follows:

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years
Total gross payment
Less future finance charges
Total

.	 Commitments	and	contingencies

(a)	 Capital	commitments

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

0
0
-
00
()


292
487
-
779
(46)
733

The following capital commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and building construction 
had been authorised by the Directors at 31 December 2009:

Contracted for 

Not-contracted for

Total

(b)	 Guarantees

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0

,

0,0

6,975

8,324

15,299

Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other 
companies within the Group, the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for 
them as such. The Company treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time as it 
becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under that guarantee.

The Company has guaranteed the liabilities referred to in the Section 5 (c) (ii) of the Companies (Amendment) 
Act, 1986 in respect of the financial year ending 31 December 2009 for the subsidiary companies listed below. 
These subsidiaries are availing of the exemption under Section 17 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986 
not to file statutory financial statements.

- ICON Clinical Research Property Holdings (Ireland) Limited

- ICON Clinical Property Development (Ireland) Limited

- ICON Clinical Property Holdings Limited

- ICON Clinical Property Development Limited

- ICON Clinical Research Limited

- Holmrook Limited

- Shelbourne Data Management Limited



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Commitments	and	contingencies	(continued)

(c)	 Contractual	obligations

The following represents Group contractual obligations and commercial commitments as at 31 December 
2009:

Payments	due	by	period

Less	than
	year

	to	
years

-
years

More	than
	years

$	in	millions

0.3

38.2

11.0

49.5

0.2

57.0

-

57.2

-

43.2

-

43.2

-

39.3

-

39.3

Total

0.5

177.7

11.0

189.2

Finance lease obligations

Operating lease commitments

Capital commitments

Total

The Group expects to spend approximately $40 million in the next 12 months on further investments in 
information technology, the expansion of existing facilities and the addition of new offices. The Group believes 
that it will be able to fund additional foreseeable cash needs for the next twelve months from cash flow from 
operations and existing cash balances. In the future, the Group may consider acquiring businesses to enhance 
service offerings and global presence. Any such acquisitions may require additional external financing and the 
Group may, from time to time, seek to obtain funds from public or private issues of equity or debt securities. 
There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Group.

.		Litigation

The Company is not party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that the Company believes could 
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations 
and financial position.

.	 Related	Parties

(i)	 Transactions	with	Directors	and	Executive	Officers

The total compensation of the Directors and Executive Officers (Key Management Remuneration) for the years 
ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 was as follows:

Salary and fees

Bonus

Other benefits

Pension contributions 

Share-based-payment

Total

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

,

,

,





,

2,332

1,267

297

186

620

4,702

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Related	Parties	(continued)

Dr. John Climax, one of the Company’s co-founders, served as Chairman of the Board of the Company from 
November 2002 to December 2009. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1990  
to October 2002 and as an Executive Director from June 1990 to December 2009. On 31 December 2009,  
Dr. Climax retired as Chairman of the Board of the Company and his service agreement with the Company (the 
“Dr. Climax Service Agreement”) ended. Since January 2010, he has held a position as a non-Executive Director 
of the Company.

The Dr. Climax Service Agreement provided for a bonus, a pension contribution, a twelve month notice period, 
two company cars and medical insurance cover for himself and his dependants. At 30 April 2010, Dr. Climax 
held 126,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $7.00 to $35.33 per share.

The arrangements relating to Dr. Climax’s retirement were set out in an agreement entered into between the 
Company and Dr. Climax in December 2009 (the “December Agreement”). Pursuant to the December 
Agreement, Dr. Climax received, having regard to the Dr. Climax Service Agreement (which terminated pursuant 
to the December agreement), a payment of €830,000 ($1,200,620) and a pension contribution of €170,000 
($252,620). In addition, and also pursuant to the December Agreement, he received an ex-gratia pension 
contribution for past service of €220,308 ($327,378), the acceleration of vesting of unvested share options and 
the transfer of two company cars. The payments and contributions set out in this paragraph are included in the 
amounts listed for Dr. Climax in the Summary Compensation Table – Year Ended 31 December 2009 on page 61.

The Company has also entered into a three year agreement with Rotrua Limited, a company controlled by  
Dr. Climax, for the provision of consultancy services at an agreed fee of €262,500 ($375,795) per annum. The 
consultancy agreement provides that the Company will provide, during the term of the agreement, permanent 
disability and life insurance cover for Dr. Climax and medical insurance cover for himself and his dependants.

On 30 April 2009, 103,000 share options, with an exercise price of $15.84, were granted to certain Directors of 
the Company. These options will vest between 2010 and 2017. On 26 February 2009, 27,000 share options, with 
an exercise price of $22.26, were granted to certain Directors and Executive Officers of the Company. These 
options will vest between 2010 and 2017.

On 27 May 2008, 6,000 share options, with an exercise price of $36.04, were granted to the newly appointed 
Director of the Company, Professor Dermot Kelleher. These options will vest between 2009 and 2016. On 26 
February 2008, 48,000 share options, with an exercise price of $35.33, were granted to the Directors and 
Executive Officers of the Company. These options vest between 2009 and 2016.

(ii)	 Other	Related	Party	Transactions

Year	Ended		December	00

Mr. Edward Roberts has served as Chairman of Merz GmbH since 2003. Merz is an independent German 
pharmaceutical company focused on the development of drugs for the treatment of illnesses in the fields of 
neurology and psychiatry. ICON Clinical Research Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICON, has entered into 
a number of contracts with Merz, for the provision of consulting and clinical trial related activities. The total 
potential value of these contracts is $43.5 million. During the year ended 31 December 2009, ICON recognised a 
total of $9.8 million of revenue in relation to these activities. At 31 December 2009, $1.2 million was outstanding 
to be received from Merz GmbH.

During the year ended 31 December 2009, Dr. Bruce Given served as Acting Chief Medical Officer of Sembiosys 
Genetics Inc. (“Sembiosys”). Sembiosys is a plant biotechnology company specialising in the production of high-
value pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products. During the year ending 31 December 2008, Sembiosys 
engaged ICON Development Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICON, in consulting and clinical trial related 
activities. The total potential value of this study was $0.8 million. During the year ending 31 December 2009, 
ICON recognised a total of $0.3 million of revenue in relation to these activities. There were no amounts 
outstanding as at 31 December 2009.



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.		Related	Parties	(continued)

Year	ended		December	00

As at 31 December 2008, Amarin Investment Holding Limited (a company controlled by Mr. Thomas Lynch), and 
Sunninghill Limited (a company controlled by Dr. John Climax) held 1.1 million and 1.5 million shares respectively 
in Amarin. These respective holdings equated to approximately 3.97% and 5.42% respectively, of Amarin’s issued 
share capital. Thomas Lynch also served as Chairman of Amarin from 2000 to 2009 and Chief Executive Officer 
from 2007 to 2009. Amarin is a neuroscience company focused on the research, development and 
commercialisation of drugs for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. During the fiscal year  
ending 31 May 2005, Amarin contracted ICON Clinical Research Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICON,  
to conduct a clinical trial on its behalf. The total potential value of this study was $7 million. During the year 
ended 31 December 2008, the Company recognised $0.2 million of revenue relating to the Amarin contract.  
At 31 December 2008, $0.3 million was outstanding to be received from Amarin on this trial.

As at 31 December 2008, Dr. John Climax and Dr. Ronan Lambe held 3.05% and 2.94% respectively of the 
issued share capital of NuPathe Inc. (“NuPathe”). NuPathe is a specialty pharmaceutical company specialising  
in the acquisition and development of therapeutic products in the area of neuroscience. Prior to July 2008  
Dr. Climax also served as a non-Executive director and chairman of the compensation committee on the Board  
of NuPathe. During the year ending 31 December 2006, NuPathe engaged ICON Clinical Research Limited,  
a wholly owned subsidiary of ICON, in consulting and clinical trial related activities. During the year ended  
31 December 2008, the Company recognised $0.1 million relating to the NuPathe contract. There were no 
amounts outstanding as at 31 December 2008.

0.	 Post	Balance	Sheet	Events

There have been no material events since the balance sheet date requiring disclosure in the financial 
statements.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements

(a)	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

Cost

At 1 January 2009

Additions 

Disposals

Reclassifications

Foreign currency adjustment

At		December	00

Depreciation

At 1 January 2009

Charge for year

Eliminated on Disposals

Reclassifications

Foreign currency adjustment

At		December	00

Net	book	value

At		December	00

At 31 December 2008

Cost

At 1 January 2008

Additions 

Foreign currency adjustment

At		December	00

Depreciation

At 1 January 2008

Charge for year

Foreign currency adjustment

At		December	00

Net	book	value

At		December	00

At 31 December 2007

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Computer
equipment
$’000	

Office
furniture	&
fixtures
$’000	

295

148

(48)

124

9



62

77

(22)

23

2





233

1,016

160

-

-

28

,0

494

270

-

-

13





522

1,465

87

(62)

(124)

40

,0

293

179

(19)

(23)

8





1,172

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Computer
equipment
$’000	

Office
furniture	&
fixtures
$’000	

326

7

(38)



15

55

(8)





311

756

375

(115)

,0

297

244

(47)





459

912

727

(174)

,

127

196

(30)



,

785

Total
$’000	

2,776

395

(110)

-

77

,

849

526

(41)

-

23

,

,

1,927

Total
$’000	

1,994

1,109

(327)

,

439

495

(85)



,

1,555



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

(b)	 Intangible	assets

Cost:

At 1 January 2008

Additions

Foreign exchange movement

At 31 December 2008

Additions

Foreign exchange movement

At		December	00

Accumulated	amortisation:

At 1 January 2008

Arising during the year

Foreign exchange movement

At 31 December 2008

Arising during the year

Foreign exchange movement

At		December	00

Net	book	value:

At		December	00

At 31 December 2008

Computer
Software
$’000

53

34

(8)

79

161

2



17

18

(1)

34

25

1





45

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

(c)	

Investment	in	subsidiaries

Investment	
in	Subsidiary
Undertakings
$’000

Long	Term
Advances	
to	Subsidiary
Undertakings
$’000

Total
$’000

339,886

172,639

236,152

-

(253,401)

(293,201)

67,412

1,888

-

18,855

70,906

2,549

-

1,771

75,226

79,217

1,888

7,873

27,138

335,440

2,549

7,144

6,057

351,190

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

()

()





,

,

,

-

-

123

102

1,451

1,676

1,676

Cost:

At 1 January 2008

Additions

Disposals

Capital contribution to subsidiaries

Imputed interest on long term intercompany loans

Share based payments

Foreign exchange movement 

At 31 December 2008

Imputed interest on long term intercompany loans

Share based payments

Foreign exchange movement 

At 31 December 2009

(d)	 Deferred	taxation

The net deferred tax asset at 31 December 2009 was as follows:

103,734

172,639

(39,800)

11,805

-

7,873

8,283

264,534

-

7,144

4,286

275,964

Deferred	taxation	liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Total deferred taxation liabilities

Deferred	taxation	assets:

Accrued expenses and payments on account

Property, plant and equipment

Loans to subsidiaries

Total	deferred	taxation	assets

Net	deferred	taxation	asset



ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

(d)	 Deferred	taxation	(continued)

The movement in temporary differences during the year ended 31 December 2009 and year ended 31 
December 2008 was as follows:

Balance	
	January
00
$’000

Investment	in
Subsidiary
Undertakings
$’000

Recognised	
in	Income
$’000

Balance	
	December
00
$’000

Deferred	taxation	liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Total	deferred	taxation	liabilities

Deferred	taxation	assets:

Accrued expenses and payments on account

Property plant and equipment

Loans to subsidiaries

Total	deferred	taxation	assets

Net	deferred	taxation	asset

-

-

123

102

1,451

,

,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(42)

()

55

(31)

(325)

(0)

()

(42)

()

178

71

1,126

,

,

Deferred	taxation	liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Total	deferred	taxation	liabilities

Deferred	taxation	assets:

Accrued expenses and payments on account

Property plant and equipment

Loans to subsidiaries

Total	deferred	taxation	assets

Net	deferred	taxation	asset

Balance	
	January
00
$’000

Investment	in
Subsidiary
Undertakings
$’000

Recognised	
in	Income
$’000

Balance	
	December
00
$’000

-

-

491

102

4,416

,00

,00

-

-

-

-

(2,730)

(,0)

(,0)

-

-

(368)

-

(235)

(0)

(0)

-

-

123

102

1,451

,

,

At 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 the Company had no operating loss carry forwards for income 
tax purposes and no deferred tax assets that have not been recognised.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009



Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

(e)	 Other	Current	Assets

Prepayments

Other receivables

Total

(f)	 Accrued	and	Other	Liabilities

Current	liabilities:

Accruals

Total

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,0

,

,0

1,765

2,054

3,819

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

,

,

9,619

9,619

(g)	 Payroll	and	Related	Benefits

The aggregate payroll costs of employees of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2009 was as 
follows:

Wages and salaries

Social welfare costs

Pension costs for defined contribution pension schemes

Share-based payment

Total

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

,

,0

,



,0

18,756

3,247

393

779

23,175

Certain employees of the Company are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”). 
Participants in the Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings into a pension plan, which is run 
by an independent party. The Company matches each participant’s contributions typically at 6% of the 
participant’s annual compensation. The Company also makes contributions for executive Directors at rates 
ranging from 10% to 20% of individual executive Director’s basic salary. Contributions to this plan are recorded 
as a remuneration expense in the Company Income Statement. Contributions for the year ended 31 December 
2009 and the year ended 31 December 2008 were $1,638,000 and $393,000 respectively.

00

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

The average number of employees, including executive Directors, employed by the Company for the year 
ending 31 December 2009 was as follows:

Marketing

Administration

Clinical research processing

Total

(h)	Related	Parties

Year	ended
	December
00

Year ended
31 December
2008





0



2

45

248

295

The Company entered into the following transactions with subsidiary companies during the period:

Income	Statement:

Dividend received from subsidiary companies

Expenses recharged to subsidiary companies

Interest charged to subsidiary companies

Total

Cash	Flow:

Dividend received from subsidiary companies

Increase/(decrease) in amounts due to/from subsidiary undertakings

Total

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

-

,0

,

0,

-

0,

0,

56,500

13,327

1,888

71,715

56,500

93,687

150,187 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Parent Company are the same as those for the Group. For information 
on transactions with Directors and Executive Officers see note 29 to the Group financial statements. For 
information on Directors’ remuneration see note 8.

(i)	Commitments	and	Contingencies

ICON plc had no commitments or contingencies at 31 December 2009 (2008: $nil).

(j)	Litigation

ICON plc is not party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that the Company believes could reasonably 
be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial 
position.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

0

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

(k)	 Financial	Assets	and	Risk	Management

The Company is exposed to various financial risks in the normal course of the business. The Company’s 
financial instruments typically comprise cash, bank borrowings and accounts payable. The main purpose of 
these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Company’s operations. The main risks arising from the 
Company’s financial instruments are credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and foreign exchange risk.

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument 
fails to meet its contractual obligations. Credit risk in respect of the Company arises on balances due from 
group companies. As such, the Company has assessed the exposure to credit risk as low.

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The 
Company’s liquidity risk arises from the repayment of short-term debt and other obligations as they fall due. 
The Company minimises liquidity risk by ensuring that sufficient cash balances and committed bank lines of 
credit are available to meet repayments and other liabilities as they fall due. Details of the Company’s bank 
credit lines and facilities are set out in note 22.

The following table sets out details of the maturity of the Company’s financial liabilities into the relevant maturity 
groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to contractual maturity date:

	December	00

Accounts payable

Accruals and other liabilities

	December	00

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Contractual
Cashflows
$’000

(305)

(9,587)

(9,892)

(305)

(9,587)

(9,892)

	mths	
or	less
$’000

(305)

(9,587)

(9,892)

-	mths
$’000

-	years
$’000

-	years
$’000

More	than
	years
$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Carrying
Amount
$’000

Contractual
Cashflows
$’000

	mths	
or	less
$’000

-	mths
$’000

-	years
$’000

-	years
$’000

More	than
	years
$’000

Bank credit lines and loan 
facilities

(105,379)

(113,417)

(42,204)

(1,638)

(55,046)

(14,529)

Accounts payable

(684)

(684)

(684)

Accruals and other liabilities

(9,619)

(9,619)

(9,619)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(115,682)

(123,720)

(52,507)

(1,638)

(55,046)

(14,529)

-

-

-

-

Foreign currency risk 
While the functional currency of the Company is Euro, the Company reports its results in U.S. dollars. As a 
consequence, the results, when translated into U.S. dollars, could be affected by fluctuations in exchange 
rates against the U.S. dollar. At 31 December 2009 the Company had $nil (2008: $28.5 million) US dollar 
denominated bank loans.

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Notes	to	the	Company	financial	statements	(continued)

Interest rate risk 
The Company finances its operations through a mixture of shareholders’ funds, borrowings and working 
capital. The Company borrows in desired currencies at both fixed and floating rates of interest. In general the 
Company borrows at floating rates of interest but may borrow at fixed rates depending on rates available. The 
Company determines the level of borrowings at fixed rates of interest having regard to current market rates and 
future trends. A one percent increase in market interest rates would have decreased the profit of the Company 
by $419,570. A one percent decrease in market interest rates would have increased the profit of the Company 
by $419,570.

Fair Values 
The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the 
balance sheet, are as follows:

Loans to subsidiaries

Cash and cash equivalents

Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings

Other current assets

Bank credit lines and loan facilities

Accounts payable

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings

Accruals and other liabilities

	December	00

31 December 2008

Carrying
Amount
$’000

,

,0

-

,0

,

-

(0)

(,0)

(,)

(,)

Fair
Value
$’000

,0

,0

-

,0

,

-

(0)

(,0)

(,)

(,)

Carrying
Amount
$’000

70,906

444

96,399

3,819

Fair
Value
$’000

75,516

444

96,399

3,819

171,568

176,178

(105,379)

(105,698)

(684)

-

(9,619)

(684)

-

(9,619)

(115,682)

(116,001)

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, amounts due from subsidiary undertakings, other current 
assets, accounts payable, amounts due to subsidiary undertakings and accruals and other liabilities are 
assumed to be approximate to their fair values due to the short-term nature of these balances. The fair value of 
bank credit lines and loan facilities and loans to subsidiaries for disclosure purposes is calculated based on 
the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the 
reporting date.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

0

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Subsidiary	Undertakings

As at 31 December 2009 the Company had the following principal subsidiary undertakings:

Name

Registered	Office

Proportion	held	by	group

ICON Clinical Research Limited

South County Business Park Leopardstown
Dublin 18
Republic of Ireland

ICON Clinical Research
Inc.

ICON Clinical Research
(UK) Limited

ICON Clinical Research
GmbH

ICON Clinical Research
SARL

ICON Clinical Research
Israel Limited

ICON Clinical Research

ICON Clinical Research
Kft.

ICON Clinical Research
S.R.L. 

212 Church Road
North Wales
Pennsylvania
PA 19454
U.S.A.

Concept House
6, Stoneycroft Rise
Chandlers Ford
Eastleigh
Hampshire, SO53 3LD
England

Heinrich-Hertz Strasse 26
D-63225 Langen
Germany

20, rue Troyon
92310 Sevres
France

6 Haba’al Shem Tov st.
North Industrial Area Lod 71289
POB 1114 Lod 71100
Israel

Calle Josep Pla, número 2
Torre Diagonal Mar
piso 11,
módulo 1
08019 Barcelona
Spain

Szepvolgy ut 39
Szepvolgy Irodapark
1037 Budapest
Hungary.

3rd Floor
133-137 Calea Floreasca, 1st District
Bucharest
Romania

100%*

100%

100%*

100%*

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Subsidiary	Undertakings	(continued)

Name

Registered	Office

Proportion	held	by	group

ICON Clinical Research EOOD 

ICON Research d.o.o  

ICON Clinical Research LLC

ICON Clinical Research LLC

ICON Holdings

ICON Holdings Clinical
Research International Limited

ICON Clinical Research S.R.O

ICON Clinical Research
(Canada) Inc.

ICON Clinical Research
Pty Limited

ICON Clinical Research
(New Zealand) Limited

4th floor, Saborna Str. 
2a, Sredets Municipality
Sofia
Bulgaria

Radnička cesta 80 
Zagreb  
Croatia

Bulevar Zorana Djindjica 64a
11070 Belgrade
Serbia

4th Floor
St. Poleva, 24
Kiev
Ukraine, 03056

South County Business Park Leopardstown
Dublin 18
Republic of Ireland

South County Business Park Leopardstown
Dublin 18
Republic of Ireland

V parku 2335/20,
Post Code 148 00,
Prague 4
Czech Republic

7405, Transcanada Highway
Suite 300
St.Laurent,
Quebec (H4T 1Z2)
Canada

Level 2, Suite 201
2-4 Lyon Park Road
North Ryde
Sydney
N.S.W. 2113
Australia

Level 27, PwC Tower
188 Quay Street
Auckland
New Zealand

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%*

100%

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

0

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Subsidiary	Undertakings	(continued)

Name

ICON Japan K.K.

ICON Clinical Research
Pte Limited

ICON Clinical Research
Korea Yuhan Hoesa 

ICON Clinical Research
India Private Limited

ICON Clinical Research
S.A.

ICON Pesquisas
Clinicas LTDA

ICON Clinical Research
Mexico S.A. de CV

ICON Chile Limitada 

ICON Clinical Research
Peru SA

Registered	Office

Proportion	held	by	group

MD Kanda Building 6F-7F
Kanda-Mitoshirocho
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, 101-0053
Japan

Raffles Place, #20-05
Clifford Centre
Singapore 048621

18th Floor, Capital Tower,
736-1, YeokSam-Dong,
KangNam-Gu
Seoul, Korea 135-983

RMZ Millennia Business Park  
Building 3A, 2nd Floor  
143 Dr. M G R Road  
Kandhanchavady  
Chennai - 600 096
Tamil Nadu,
India

Av. Fondo de la Legua 936/54
Edificio Lomas de San Isidro Plaza1, 
Martinez,
Buenos Aires (B1640ED0)
Argentina

Avenida Paulista
No. 2300
Andar Pilotis-sal 03100-300
Bela Vista
Sao Paulo
SP Brazil

Barranca del Muerto 329 3rd Floor
Col. San José Insurgentes
03900 México D.F.

Huerfanos 770,
piso 4
oficina 402,
Santiago, Chile

Edificio Real Seis
Av. Victor A. Belaunde 147
Via Principal 140-Piso,
Ofs 713 y 715
San Isidro-Lima 27
Peru

100%*

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued)

.	 Subsidiary	Undertakings	(continued)

Name

Registered	Office

Proportion	held	by	group

ICON Development
Solutions Limited

ICON Contracting
Solutions, Inc.

DOCS International BV

ICON Development
Solutions, Inc.

ICON Central
Laboratories, Inc.

Beacon Bioscience, Inc.

Healthcare Discoveries Inc

Prevalere Life Sciences Inc 

* held directly

Skelton House, 1
Manchester Science Park
Lloyd Street North
Manchester M15 6SH
England

345 Park Avenue,
New York 10154-2099
U.S.A

Handelsweg 53
1181 ZA Amstelveen
The Netherlands

7250, Parkway Drive,
Suite 430,
Hanover, MD 21076,
U.S.A

123 Smith Street,
Farmingdale,
New York 11735,
U.S.A.

4259 W. Swamp Road
Suite 410
Doylestown, PA 18901-1033
U.S.A

8307 Gault Lane
San Antonio,
TX  78209
U.S.A

8282 Halsey Road
Whitsboro,
NY 13492
U.S.A

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

.	 Approval	of	financial	statements

The Board of Directors approved these financial statements on 30 April 2010.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

0

Reconciliation of between IFRS and US Accounting Principles

The financial statements of the Group set out on pages 30 to 107 have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as adopted by the European Union (“EU IFRS”), which differ 
in certain significant respects from those applicable in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The material differences as they 
apply to the Company’s financial statements are as follows:

(a)	Financial	statement	format

The format of the financial statements and certain note disclosures differ under U.S. GAAP from those under EU 
IFRS. The Company prepared a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Form 20-F Report which was made 
available to all shareholders in March 2010. The financial statements included in such Form 20-F are prepared in 
accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(b)	Merger	with	PRAI

The Group accounts for business combinations under EU IFRS in accordance with the IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations. As permitted by IFRS 1 First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards the Group 
has only restated business combinations from 1 June 2001 onwards. Business combinations prior to this date have 
not been restated. In addition, goodwill has no longer been amortised since 1 June 2001, but rather is tested 
annually for impairment. U.S. GAAP adopts different criteria to EU IFRS for establishing the method of accounting 
to be adopted for business combinations. On 28 January 2000, the Group completed a transaction with Pacific 
Research Associates Inc. (“PRAI”), a company specialising in data management, statistical analysis and medical 
and regulatory consulting based in San Francisco, USA. The merger with PRAI was accounted for using acquisition 
accounting principles in accordance with EU IFRS whilst U.S. GAAP required that the merger be accounted for 
using the pooling-of-interest method of accounting. U.S. GAAP pooling-of-interest accounting has resulted in a 
number of adjustments. Most significantly

(i) 

the Group’s historic US GAAP financial statements have been restated to reflect the combined results of ICON 
and PRAI;

(ii)  the costs of the merger were expensed for U.S. GAAP purposes and included in the cost of acquisition for 

IFRS;

(iii)  goodwill arising on IFRS has been amortised over its expected useful life up to 31 May 2001. No goodwill 

arose on the merger under U.S. GAAP;

(iv)  the tax charge arising on the conversion of PRAI from an S-Corporation to a C-Corporation is treated as a pre 

acquisition charge under IFRS.

(c)	Defined	benefit	pension	scheme

Under IFRS the Company is required to recognise net scheme assets and liabilities of defined benefit pension 
schemes it operates. Actuarial gains and losses associated with such schemes are recognised directly against 
retained earnings through the Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense. Under U.S. GAAP an 
additional minimum pension liability relating to the excess of any unfunded accumulated benefit obligation over 
recognised prior service cost must be included within other accumulated comprehensive income. This amount is 
amortised to the consolidated statement of operations over the remaining service life of the scheme participants 
under US GAAP. The excess is not amortised under IFRS and accordingly the Group has not recognised the 
amortisation charge of $23,000 recorded in 2009 under US GAAP.

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

Reconciliation of between IFRS and US Accounting Principles (continued)

(d)	Non-cash	stock	compensation	expense

IFRS requires that the fair value of share-based payments be expensed to the income statement over the period 
the related services are received, with a corresponding increase in equity. In the year ending 31 December 2009, 
the Company has accounted for share-based payments under U.S. GAAP in accordance with FASB ASC 718, 
Compensation – Stock Compensation, which also requires that the fair value of share-based payments be 
expensed to the income statement over the period the related services are received, with a corresponding increase 
in equity. There is a difference in recorded expense because firstly different periods are in scope for both 
treatments due to the different effective dates under both standards and secondly due to different models used to 
calculate the fair value of options. Under US GAAP the Black-Scholes model was used for the calculation of the 
expense whereas under IFRS this model is not the preferred model to be used and as such the binomial model is 
used.

(e)	Deferred	tax	assets

IFRS requires that the fair value of share-based payments, including share options issued to employees, be 
expensed to the income statement over the period the related services are received, with a corresponding increase 
in equity. Under U.S. tax law the Group receives a tax deduction when U.S. employee share options are exercised. 
This deduction is measured as the intrinsic value of the share options at the date the options are exercised. 
Therefore, the tax deduction generally arises in different amounts and in different periods from compensation cost 
recognised in the financial statements.

Under US GAAP, FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company has recognised a deferred tax asset for the 
cumulative amount of compensation cost recognised in the financial statements for options that will result in a 
future tax deduction. A deferred tax asset is also recognised under IFRS for options that will result in a future tax 
deduction. However, under IAS 12 Income Taxes if the tax deduction available in future periods is not known at the 
end of the period it is estimated based on information available at the end of the period. As the tax deduction is 
dependent upon the Company’s share price at the exercise date, the measurement of the deductible temporary 
difference is based on the Company’s share price at the end of the period. Where the amount of the estimated 
future tax deduction exceeds the amount of the related cumulative remuneration expense, the deferred tax 
associated with the excess is recognised directly in equity. Under IFRS at 31 December 2009 the Company has 
recognised a deferred tax asset of $1.0 million (31 December 2008: $6.1 million) for share options that will result  
in a future tax deduction when exercised.

(f)	Currency	Translation	Adjustment

Under IFRS where repayment of permanent advances to subsidiaries occurs, exchange differences on those 
advances previously recognised in the currency reserve are required to be released to the income statement.  
In accordance with IAS 21 The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates , the portion of the loan repaid is 
deemed to be a partial return of the investment and is regarded as a disposal and the proportionate share of the 
exchange differences recognised in equity relating to the net investment as a whole are released to the income 
statement.

Under US GAAP, the repayment of permanent advances does not trigger a release of exchange differences unless 
it constitutes a substantially complete liquidation of a foreign entity.

During the year ended 31 December 2008 the Group settled a number of long term intercompany balances. 
Exchange differences of $11.0 million previously recognised in the currency reserve have been released and 
charged to the income statement. The tax impact of the exchange differences is $1.4 million. The net impact of  
this adjustment is $9.6 million.

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

0

Reconciliation of between IFRS and US Accounting Principles (continued)

(g)	Forward-looking	statements

To the extent any statements made in this annual report deal with information that is not historical, these statements 
are necessarily forward-looking. As such, they are subject to the occurrence of many events outside of ICON’s 
control and are subject to various risk factors that would cause our results to differ materially from those expressed 
in any forward-looking statement. The risk factors are described on pages 4 to 9 and include, without limitation, the 
inherent risk of dependence on pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and certain clients, termination or 
delay of large contracts, risk of cost overruns, the risk of clinical outcomes, regulatory risks, and market 
competition.

The following is a summary of the material adjustments to profit and shareholders’ equity, which would be required, 
had the financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(i)	 Effect	on	profit	for	the	financial	year

Year	ended
	December
00
$’000

Year ended
31 December
2008
$’000

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity holders as stated under IFRS

,0

64,483

US	GAAP	adjustments:

Non-cash stock compensation expense under IFRS

Non-cash stock compensation expense under U.S. GAAP

Additional pension costs on defined benefit scheme

Deferred tax adjustments on share-based payments

Foreign exchange on long term loans settled (net of tax)

,0

(,)





-

8,652

(6,058)

89

1,364

9,590

Net income as stated under U.S. GAAP

,

78,120

Basic earnings per Ordinary Share under U.S. GAAP

Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share under U.S. GAAP

$.

$.

$1.34

$1.30

(ii)	 Effect	on	shareholders’	equity

	December
00
$’000

31 December
2008
$’000

Shareholders’ equity as stated under IFRS 

,

474,126

US	GAAP	adjustments:

Goodwill arising on merger with PRAI

Amortisation of PRAI goodwill

Deferred tax adjustments on share-based payments

(,00)

,00

(,)

(15,010)

1,001

(3,751)

Shareholders’ equity as stated under U.S. GAAP

,

456,366

0

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009





ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2009

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