ICON Public Company
Annual Report 2010

Plain-text annual report

ICON plc and Subsidiaries Annual Report 2010 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. 9.15am San Antonio, U.S. 10.14am Tokyo, Japan. 3.28pm Zurich, Switzerland. Tianjin, China.4.45pm ICON AR COVER.indd 5 14/4/11 12:54:00 ICON AR COVER.indd 6 14/4/11 12:54:00 Directors’ Report and Consolidated Financial Statements Contents Directors and Other Information  Directors’ Report  Operating and Financial Review  Board of Directors and Senior Management  Compensation and Organisation Committee Report  Corporate Governance Report  Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities  Independent Auditor’s Report  Statement of Accounting Policies  Consolidated Income Statement  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  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  Appendix A: Risk Factors  Page 2 3 7 12 14 22 30 32 34 44 45 46 47 49 50 51 53 54 111 114 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010    ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Directors and Other Information Directors  Company secretary  Registered office  Auditors  Solicitors  Registrars  Bankers   ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 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 (British – Non-Executive) (2) (3)  Declan McKeon (Irish – Non-Executive) (1)  Cathrin Petty (British – 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 A & L Goodbody  25-28 North Wall Quay  IFSC  Dublin 1 Cahill Gordon Reindel & Co  80 Pine Street  New York, USA Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited  Herron House  Corrig Road  Sandyford Industrial Estate  Dublin 18 Citibank  Canada Square Canary Warf  London E14 5LB  United Kingdom PNC Bank  1035 Virginia Drive  Fort Washington  PA 19034, USA     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 2010. 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. The Company is considered a foreign private issuer in the US, accordingly it is not subject to the  same ongoing regulatory requirements as a US registered company with a primary listing on the NASDAQ market. These Consolidated and Company financial statements (together “the financial statements”) for the year ended 31  December 2010 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. In addition to the consolidated financial  statements contained in this annual report, the Company also prepares separate consolidated financial statements   on Form 20-F pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in  accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Form 20-F under   U.S. GAAP is a separate document, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company’s website www.iconplc.com.  IFRS differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP, details of which are set out on pages 111 to 113 of this annual report. 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 select number of CROs with the capability and expertise to conduct clinical   trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis. The Company believes that being such a global CRO is an  integral part of both the Company delivering on its objectives and the Group’s business model. At 31 December 2010  the Group had 7,735 employees, in 73 locations in 39 countries, providing Phase I-IV Clinical Trial Management, Drug  Development Support Services, Data Management and Biostatistical, Central Laboratory, Imaging and Contract Staffing  services. The Group has the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of  an integrated “full service” solution. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the Group began operations in 1990 and has expanded its business through   internal growth and strategic acquisitions. Its principal executive office is located at: South County Business Park,  Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Republic of Ireland. The contact telephone number of this office is 353 (1) 291 2000. For   the year ended 31 December 2010 approximately 42.3%, 46.9% and 10.8% of the Group’s net revenue was derived   in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively. On 14 January 2011 the Group acquired Oxford Outcomes, a leading international health outcomes consultancy,  headquartered in Oxford, UK, and with offices in the USA and Canada. Oxford Outcomes provides specialist services in  the areas of patient reported outcomes (PRO), health economics, epidemiology and translation and linguistic validation. On 17 May 2010 the Group acquired Timaq Medical Imaging, a European provider of advanced imaging services   to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2011, 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 this annual report. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Directors’ Report (continued) Results and dividends The results for the year are as shown on page 44 of these financial statements. The Directors do not propose the  payment of a dividend for the year. Risks and Uncertainties Details of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group are set out in Appendix A of this annual report. Financial Risk Management The Group’s financial instruments comprise cash, finance lease obligations and negotiated bank facilities. The main  purpose of these financial instruments is to fund the working capital requirements of the Group, the cost of new  acquisitions and continued growth. The principal financial risks facing the Group includes inflation, currency rate risk,  interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk, further details of which are set out in notes 25 and 31 to the financial  statements. 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. The Group did not enter into any derivatives transactions during 2009 or 2010. Post balance sheet events Details of post balance sheet events are set out in note 30 to the financial statements. 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. Directors and Secretary On 13 October 2010, the Board appointed Ms Cathrin Petty a Director of the Company. In accordance with the Articles  of Association of the Company, Ms Petty will offer herself for re-election as a Director of the Company at the Company’s  Annual General Meeting on 18 July 2011. On 19 April 2010, the Board appointed Mr. Declan McKeon a Director of the Company. In accordance with the Articles  of Association of the Company, Mr. McKeon was re-elected 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. 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. Details of Directors’ interests in the Group’s shares are set out in the Compensation and Organisation Committee  Report. Save as shown in the Compensation and Organisation Committee report, no Director had any disclosable  interest in shares of the Group during the year.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Directors’ Report (continued) Directors’ remuneration Details of Directors’ remuneration is set out in the Compensation and Organisation Committee Report. Directors power to purchase and allot company shares 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 re-issue them. Rights and Obligations attaching to the Company’s shares 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 ordinary shares. Holders of ordinary shares have no  conversion or redemption rights. On a show of hands, every holder of an ordinary share present in person or proxy   at a general meeting of shareholders shall have one vote with no individual having more than one vote. Change of control provisions in significant agreements The Group has negotiated banking facilities with a number of financial institutions, details of which are set out in the  operating and financial review section of this report. Certain of these facilities 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. All amounts previously drawn under these facilities were repaid as at the date   of this report. Furthermore certain Group companies have entered capital grant agreements with the Irish government agency,  Enterprise Ireland, whereby the Group covenants that the controlling interest in the Company will not change without  Enterprise Ireland’s prior written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld. Additionally, the Company’s share option and restricted stock plans contain change in control provisions which allow  potentially for the acceleration of the exercisability of outstanding options and awards of restricted stock 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 or restricted stock of its ordinary shares or that of its parent. Corporate Governance Details of the Directors’ compliance with corporate governance is set out separately in the Corporate Governance  Report. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Directors’ Report (continued) Significant shareholdings In addition to the interests of directors disclosed in the Compensation and Organisation Committee Report,   the Company has been notified of the following shareholdings in excess of 3% of the issued share capital of the  Company at 31 December 2010: Name Fidelity Group Companies Neuberger Berman LLC Wellington Management Co. LLP Eagle Asset Management Inc All directors and officers as a group Wasatch Advisors Inc Kornitzer Capital Management Inc Westfield Capital Management Company LP Subsidiary undertakings % Number of Shares 9.6% 8.5%  7.4% 4.8% 4.2% 4.0% 3.9% 3.1% 5,772,913 5,139,680 4,432,301 2,914,432 2,526,160 2,417,341 2,350,725 1,838,550 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. Going concern The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operation for the  foreseeable future. For this reason, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing 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 Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Operating and Financial Review Overview The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements set   out on pages 34 to 110 of this report. 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. It has the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis   or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. The Group can implement a range of resourcing models to suit client  requirements, and increasingly our teams are flexibly applied to minimise costs for our clients. In a highly fragmented industry, the Group is one of a small number of CROs with the capability and expertise to  conduct clinical trials in all major therapeutic areas on a global basis. At 31 December 2010 the Group had 7,735  employees, in 73 locations in 39 countries, providing Phase I-IV Clinical Trial Management, Drug Development   Support Services, Data Management, Biostatistics, Central Laboratory, Imaging and Contract Staffing services. Revenue consists primarily of fees earned under contracts with third-party clients. In most cases, a portion of the  contract fee is paid at the time the study or trial is started, with the balance of the contract fee generally payable in  instalments over the study or trial duration, based on the achievement of certain performance targets or “milestones”.  Revenue from contracts is recognised on a proportional performance method based on the relationship between time  incurred and the total estimated duration of the trial or on a fee-for-service basis according to the particular circumstances  of the contract. As is customary in the CRO industry, the Group contracts with third party investigators in connection  with clinical trials. All investigator fees and certain other costs, where reimbursed by clients, are, in accordance with  industry practice, deducted from gross revenue to arrive at net revenue. As these costs vary from contract to contract,  the Group views net revenue as its primary measure of revenue growth. Backlog consists of potential net revenue yet to be earned from projects awarded by clients. At 31 December 2010   the Group had a backlog of approximately $1.9 billion, compared with approximately $1.8 billion at 31 December 2009.  The Group believes that its backlog as of any date is not necessarily a meaningful predictor of future results, due to the  potential for cancellation or delay of the projects underlying the backlog, and no assurances can be given that it will be  able to realise this backlog as net revenue. As the nature of the business involves the management of projects having a typical duration of one to four years,   the commencement or completion of projects in a fiscal year can have a material impact on revenues earned with   the relevant clients in such years. In addition, as the Group typically works with some, but not all, divisions of a client,  fluctuations in the number and status of available projects within such divisions can also have a material impact on  revenues earned from such clients from year to year. Although the Company is domiciled in Ireland, the Group reports its results in U.S. dollars. As a consequence the   results of our non-U.S. based operations, when translated into U.S. dollars, could be materially 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 its 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 Group’s  results of operations. The Group regularly reviews its currency exposures and usually negotiates currency fluctuation  clauses in its contracts which allow for price negotiation if changes in the relative value of those currencies exceed  predetermined tolerances. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Operating and Financial Review (continued) As the Group conducts operations on a global basis, its effective tax rate has depended and will depend on the  geographic distribution of its revenue and earnings among locations with varying tax rates. The Group’s results   of operations therefore may be affected by changes in the tax rates of the various jurisdictions. In particular, as the  geographic mix of the Group’s results of operations among various tax jurisdictions changes, its effective tax rate   may vary significantly from period to period. Operating Results The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain financial data as a percentage of net 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. Net revenue Direct costs Other operating expenses One-time net charges Operating profit Year ended  December 00 Year ended  December 009 As a percentage of turnover Percentage change in period 100% 60.1% 29.6% - 10.2% 100% 57.3% 29.5% 1.0% 12.2% 1.4% 6.5% 1.8% 100% (15.1%) Year ended  December 00 compared to Year ended  December 009 Net revenue for the year increased by $12.4 million, or 1.4%, from $887.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2009  to $900.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. Net revenue in the Group’s clinical research segment increased  by 2.4% from $816.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2009 to $836.2 million for the year ended 31 December  2010. In the Group’s central laboratory business net revenue decreased by 9.8% from $70.7 million for the year ended  31 December 2009 to $63.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. This decrease was primarily attributable to a  slower rate of conversion on central laboratory business awards, due to both a delay in study start-ups and an increase  in the average duration of central laboratory studies. For the year ended 31 December 2010 approximately 42.3%,  46.9% and 10.8% of the Group’s net revenue was derived in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively. Direct costs for the year increased by $32.9 million, or 6.5%, from $508.5 million for the year ended 31 December   2009 to $541.4 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. Direct costs comprise compensation, associated fringe  benefits and share based compensation expense for project related employees, together with other direct project driven  costs. The increase in direct costs during the year was primarily attributable to an increase in compensation costs for  project related employees of $31.8 million. Travel costs for project-related employees increased by $6.5 million while  other direct project-related expenses decreased by $5.4 million. In the Group’s clinical research segment, direct costs  increased by 6.0% or $27.9 million during the year. The Group has entered a number of strategic relationships with  sponsors and expanded operations in certain territories, requiring significant upfront investment in personnel and a  corresponding increase in direct costs. In the Group’s central laboratory business, direct costs increased by 12.0%   or $5.0 million during the year, primarily attributable to increased investment in personnel and systems in this business.  As a percentage of net revenue, direct costs have increased from 57.3% for the year ended 31 December 2009 to  60.1% for the year ended 31 December 2010.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Operating and Financial Review (continued) Other operating expenses for the year increased by $4.6 million, or 1.8%, from $262.2 million for the year ended   31 December 2009 to $266.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. Other operating expenses comprise  compensation, related fringe benefits and share based compensation expense for non-project related employees,  professional service costs, recruitment expenditure, advertising costs and all costs related to facilities and information  systems, including depreciation. Compensation, related fringe benefits and share-based compensation expense  increased by $3.0 million during the year, travel costs increased by $2.1 million, recruitment expenditure, for both   project and non-project related employees, increased by $2.6 million, while depreciation and amortisation expense  increased by $1.1 million. These increases were offset by decreases in facilities related expenditure of $2.3 million   and decreases in other general overheads of $2.0 million. In the Group’s clinical research segment, other operating  expenses decreased by $1.6 million or 0.7% during the year. This was offset by an increase in the Group’s central  laboratory business, where other operating expenses increased by $6.2 million or 26.5%, a result of its significant  investment in personnel and systems during the year. As a percentage of net revenue, other operating expenses,  increased from 29.5% for the year ended 31 December 2009 to 29.6% for the year ended 31 December 2010. One-time net charges of $8.8 million were 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   Group conducted a review of its existing infrastructure during the early months of 2009 to better align its resources   with the needs of its clients. This realignment 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 partially offset by  research and development incentives of $4.5 million received by the Group in certain European Union jurisdictions in  which it operates. Operating profit for the year decreased by $16.3 million, or 15.1%, from $108.2 million for the year ended 31 December  2009 to $91.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. As a percentage of net revenue, operating profit  decreased from 12.2% of net revenues for the year ended 31 December 2009 to 10.2% of net revenues for the year  ended 31 December 2010. In the Group’s clinical research segment, operating profit increased by $1.5 million, or   1.4%, from $103.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2009 to $104.7 million for the year ended 31 December  2010. As a percentage of net revenue operating profit decreased from 12.6% of net revenues for the year ended   31 December 2009 to 12.5% for the year ended 31 December 2010. In the Group’s central laboratory business,  operating profit decreased by $17.8 million, from income of $5.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2009 to   a loss of $12.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. As a percentage of net revenue, operating profit/(loss)  decreased from 7.1% for the year ended 31 December 2009 to (20.0)% for the year ended 31 December 2010. The  significant investment in personnel and systems, together with the slower than expected conversion of business awards,  has negatively impacted the central laboratory’s operating margin during the year ended 31 December 2010. During   the year ended 31 December 2009 the Group’s operating profit, excluding the impact of one-time net charges, was  13.2%, being 13.7% for the clinical research segment and 7.6% for the central laboratory business. Net finance income for the year ended 31 December 2010 was $0.9 million compared with net finance expense   of $4.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. Finance income for the year increased by $1.2 million from  $1.5 million for the year ended 31 December 2009 to $2.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. This increase  arose predominately from an increase in cash balances during the year, together with an increase in the rate of return  earned thereon. Finance expense for the year decreased by $3.9 million, from $5.8 million for the year ended 31 December  2009 to $1.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2010. This decrease arose predominately from a decrease in  interest on bank overdrafts and credit facilities together with a decrease in foreign exchange losses on bank overdrafts  and credit facilities. During the year ended 31 December 2009 the Group repaid all amounts previously drawn under  negotiated bank overdraft and credit facilities. Provision for income taxes decreased from $11.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2009 to $6.6 million for   the year ended 31 December 2010. During the year ended 31 December 2010 the Group recognised $9.7 million   in unrecognised tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, arising from both the settlement of positions with the relevant   tax authorities and the expiration of the relevant statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions, thereby allowing for the  recognition of these benefits during the current year. During the year ended 31 December 2009 corporation tax refunds  related to research and development tax credits were received by the Group in certain European Union jurisdictions.   The Group recognised a net benefit of $10.6 million in its provision for income taxes for the year ended 31 December 2009  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Operating and Financial Review (continued) for research and development tax credits related to prior years but received during 2009. The Group’s effective   tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2010 was 7.1% compared with 10.8% for the year ended 31 December  2009. Excluding the impact of the release of uncertain tax provisions during the year ended 31 December 2010 and   the impact of research and development tax credits recognised during the year ended 31 December 2009, the Group  would have had an effective tax rate of 17.5% for the year ended 31 December 2010, compared to an effective tax rate  of 20.2% for the year ended 31 December 2009. Liquidity and capital resources The CRO industry is generally 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 are generally fixed price with some variable components 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, in some cases on the  achievement of certain milestones. Accordingly, cash receipts do not correspond to costs incurred and revenue  recognised on contracts. The Group’s total cash balances at 31 December 2010 amounted to $255.7 million compared with total cash balances  of $194.0 million at 31 December 2009. Cash balances at 31 December 2010 comprised cash and cash equivalents   of $255.7 million. Cash balances at 31 December 2009 comprised cash and cash equivalents of $144.8 million   and current investments of $49.2 million. Working capital, comprising total current assets less total current liabilities,  increased by $104.6 million during the year from $204.1 million at 31 December 2009 to $308.7 million at 31 December  2010. This increase arose primarily from an increase in cash and cash equivalents. Additional borrowings available to  the Group under negotiated facilities at 31 December 2010 amounted to $55.9 million compared with $162.5 million   at 31 December 2009. Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $87.4 million for the year ended 31 December 2010 compared  with net cash provided by operating activities of $255.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. The most  significant influence on our 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 (i.e. the debtors balance at the end of the period divided by the revenue for the period multiplied by the  number of days in the period) can vary due to the achievement of contractual milestones, including contract signing,  and the timing of cash receipts. Improved working capital management during the year ended 31 December 2009  resulted in a significant increase in cash inflows from operating activities and a corresponding decrease in the number   of days revenue outstanding from 70 days at 31 December 2008 to 33 days at 31 December 2009. The number of  days revenue outstanding at 31 December 2010 was 37 days. Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $14.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2010 compared   to net cash used in investing activities of $65.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. Cash flows from investing  activities during the year ended 31 December 2010 arose primarily from the sale of current asset investments offset by  capital expenditure and cash paid to acquire subsidiary undertakings. During the year ended 31 December 2010 the  Company received a net $49.2 million from the sale of its current asset investments. The Group actively manages its  available cash resources to try to ensure optimum returns. Amounts received from the sale of current asset investments  during the year were reinvested in cash and cash equivalents. Capital expenditure for the year ended 31 December  2010 amounted to $30.9 million, and was comprised mainly of expenditure on global infrastructure and information  technology systems to support the Group’s growth. Cash paid on acquisitions during the year ended 31 December  2010 amounted to $3.7 million. $1.5 million was paid by the Group during the year ended 31 December 2010 in  respect of the acquisition of Timaq Medical Imaging. In addition, $2.2 million was paid to the former shareholders   of Healthcare Discoveries in full and final settlement of certain performance milestones payable. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Operating and Financial Review (continued) Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended 31 December 2010 amounted to $15.3 million  compared with net cash used of $105.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. Cash provided by financing  activities during the year ended 31 December 2010 comprised mainly of proceeds received from the exercise of share  options. During the year ended 31 December 2009 the Group repaid $109.6 million, net, in respect of all amounts  previously drawn under negotiated facilities. As a result of these cash flows, cash and cash equivalents increased by $110.9 million for the year ended 31 December  2010 compared to $86.4 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. On 9 July 2007 the Group entered into a five year committed multi-currency facility agreement for €35 million  ($46.8 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 favor of the bank. Amounts available to be   drawn reduce over the life of this facility in accordance with agreed payment terms. At 31 December 2010 €17.5 million  ($23.4 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. On 21 April 2010 the Group reduced this facility to $25 million. On 9 December 2010 the Company   further reduced this facility to $12.5 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain  composite guarantees and pledges in favor of the bank. At 31 December 2010 $12.5 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 bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin and was secured by certain composite guarantees, indemnities and  pledges in favor of the bank. On 2 December 2010 the Group terminated this facility. On 29 May 2009 a 364 day committed credit facility of $10 million was negotiated with Citibank Europe. This facility  lapsed during 2010 and was not renewed by the Group. On 29 May 2009 a three year committed credit facility was  also negotiated with Citibank Europe for $10 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured   by certain composite guarantees and pledges in favor of the bank. At 31 December 2010 $10.0 million was available   to be drawn under the facility. On 29 May 2009 a committed 364 day credit facility of $30 million was negotiated with JP Morgan for $30 million.   On 3 September 2010 a committed 364 day credit facility was negotiated with J.P. Morgan for $10 million, partially  replacing the 2009 facility. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain composite  guarantees and pledges in favor of the bank. At 31 December 2010 $10.0 million was available to be drawn under   the facility. On 17 May 2010 the Group acquired Timaq Medical Imaging, a European provider of advanced imaging services to   the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland for an initial cash consideration   of CHF 1.3 million ($1.2 million). Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition agreement requiring  potential additional consideration of up to CHF 2.9 million ($3.1 million) if these milestones are achieved during the   years ended 31 December 2010 to 31 December 2013. On 31 December 2010 CHF 0.3 million ($0.3 million) was   paid to the former shareholders in respect of certain milestones for the year ended 31 December 2010. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Board of Directors and Senior Management Dr. Bruce Given – Chairman (aged 56) 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. From March 2002 until June 2007   he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr. Given previously held various  positions in Johnson & Johnson group companies. Dr. Given obtained his doctorate from the University of Chicago   in 1980. Peter Gray – CEO and Director (aged 56) has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November  2002. He served as the Group Chief Operating Officer from June 2001 to November 2002, and was Chief Financial  Officer from June 1997 to June 2001. He has been a director of the Company since June 1997. Mr. Gray has over   20 years experience in the pharmaceutical services industry and has also worked in the engineering and food sectors.  Mr. Gray received a degree in Law from Trinity College Dublin in 1977 and became a chartered accountant in 1980.   Mr. Gray has served as a non-Executive director of United Drug plc since September 2004 and as Chairman of the  Audit Committee of United Drug since August 2008. He has also served as a non-Executive Director of Danica Life  Limited since April 2008. Ciaran Murray – CFO and Company Secretary (aged 48) has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company  since October 2005. He has also held the position of Company Secretary since January 2006. Mr. Murray developed  his experience working in senior financial positions in Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom, in the food sector with   Kraft Foods Inc, Cantrell and Cochrane plc and Northern Foods plc, and in the technology sector with Novell Inc and  Codec Systems. Mr. Murray obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin in 1982. He  qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Dr. John Climax – Non-Executive Director (aged 58), one of the Company’s co-founders, served as Chairman   of the Board of the Company from November 2002 to December 2009, and Chief Executive Officer from June 1990   to October 2002. From January 2010 he has held a position as a non-executive director of the Company. Dr. Climax  has over 25 years of experience in the contract research industry. Dr. Climax received his primary degree in pharmacy   in 1977 from the University of Singapore, his masters in applied pharmacology in 1979 from the University of Wales   and his PhD. in pharmacology from the National University of Ireland in 1982. He has authored a significant number   of papers and presentations, and holds adjunct professorship at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. Dr. Ronan Lambe – Non-Executive Director (aged 71), 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. Dr. Lambe has over 30 years of experience in the contract research industry. Dr. Lambe attended the  National University of Ireland where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1959, his masters   in biochemistry in 1962 and his PhD. in pharmacology in 1976. Thomas Lynch – Independent Non-Executive Director (aged 54) has served as a non-executive director of the  Company since January 1996. Mr. Lynch served as Chairman of Amarin Corporation plc from 2000 to 2009 and as its  Chief Executive Officer from 2007 to 2009. Between 1993 and 2004, he held a number of senior management positions  in Elan Corporation plc. Mr Lynch is an investor in, and serves on the board of, a number of biotechnology companies.  He has also served as a board member of IDA Ireland (an agency of the Irish Government) since 2000. Professor Dermot Kelleher – Independent Non-Executive Director (aged 55) has served as a non-executive  director of the Company since May 2008. Professor Kelleher is currently Head of the School of Medicine at Trinity  College, Dublin, Ireland and Director of the Institute of Molecular Medicine in Dublin. His research interests are broad  ranging in the fields of Gastroenterology, Immunology and Molecular Biology and over a distinguished thirty year career  he has led significant research projects in this field. Alongside his notable academic appointments he has served as a  visiting research scientist with a major pharmaceutical company and has been a founder of a number of biotechnology  companies.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Board of Directors and Senior Management (continued) Dr. Anthony Murphy – Independent Non-Executive Director (aged 60) has served as a non-executive director   of the Company since April 2009. Dr. Murphy was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Eli Lilly & Co.,  prior to his retirement in May 2009. Born in Cardiff, Wales, Mr. Murphy received a bachelor’s degree in psychology   from University College Dublin in 1970 and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Wales in 1975. Dr. Murphy  joined Lilly (in the United Kingdom) in 1980, and held increasingly senior positions in HR with the company until his  retirement. Prior to joining Lilly he had lectured in industrial relations and worked as a consultant and researcher at the  University of Bath, England. Mr. Murphy is a fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development (U.K.) and a Chartered  Psychologist. Declan McKeon – Independent Non-Executive Director (aged 59) has served as a non-executive director of   the Company since April 2010. Mr. McKeon was a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 1986 to 2007.   His roles included leadership of the audit and business advisory team for PwC Ireland, membership on the PwC   Europe audit and business advisory services executive and market sector lead for consumer and industrial products.  Mr. McKeon is a non-executive Director of Ryanair plc, remains a consultant to PwC and sits on the audit committee   of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Mr. McKeon holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters in Business  Studies from University College Dublin and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Cathrin Petty – Independent Non-Executive Director (aged 37) has served as a non-executive director of   the Company since October 2010. Ms. Petty is a Special Partner at Vitruvian Partners LLP and is a non-Executive   Director for Circassia Limited. Ms. Petty is an advisor to the pharmaceutical industry and formerly served as a   non-Executive Director for the NHS (Strategic Health Authority for Greater London). Between 2000 and 2010,   Ms. Petty was a Healthcare Partner in Apax Partners LLP with responsibility for originating, executing, monitoring   and exiting healthcare private equity investments. Her early career included Senior Associate and Research Analyst   roles at Schroder Ventures Life Sciences and Schroders Investment Management. Alan Morgan – Group President Clinical Research Services (aged 46) was appointed Group President Clinical  Research Services in August 2010. Since joining the Group in August 2006, he has held positions of increasing  responsibility, including Vice President of Process Development, President ICON Clinical Europe, and Chief Operating  Officer of the global Clinical Research Division. In January 2010 he was appointed Group President Early Clinical  Research and Laboratories Services, responsible for oversight of the Central Laboratory and Development Services  divisions. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Morgan worked for MDS Pharma Services where he held positions of  increasing responsibility since joining the company in 2002, including Global General Manager and Vice President   of their Phase II-IV business. Mr. Morgan started his career in clinical research organisations with Covance, where he   held a number of leadership positions from 1998 including General Manager of their Phase II-IV business in Europe,  Asia, and Latin America. His initial career was in pharma, including seven years with Glaxo Wellcome and two years   with ICI Pharmaceuticals in various business and financial roles. He is a graduate of the City University Business School   in London, and a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Compensation and Organisation Committee Report 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 share 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 and are also eligible for participation in the share  option scheme. The Corporate Governance Report set out why it is appropriate for the non-Executive Directors to  participate in the share option scheme. Non-Executive Directors are not eligible for performance related bonuses and   no pension contributions are made on their behalf. Non-executive Directors’ remuneration is set by the Execution  committee, taking into account the recommendations of the nominating and governance committee. 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 share 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 2009 and 2010. 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. The Company’s  contributions are determined at the peer group median of comparable Irish companies and peer CRO companies.  Contributions to this plan are recorded as an expense in the Income Statement.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) Directors’ and Key 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 per annum plus reasonable expenses properly incurred in carrying out   his duties for the Company. He was previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 24,000 ordinary share options at  exercise prices ranging from $8.60 to $35.33. Mr. Peter Gray Mr. Peter Gray has served as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) since November 2002. He served as the Chief  Operating Officer of the Company from June 2001 to November 2002 and as an Executive Director of the Company  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 Compensation and Organisation Committee. He is also entitled to receive a  pension contribution, company car allowance and medical insurance cover for himself and his dependants. He was  previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 288,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $11.00   to $35.33 per share. On 3 March 2011 he was awarded 100,000 restricted stock units which will vest on the third  anniversary of date of award. His service agreement requires him to devote his full time and attention to his duties for  the Company excepting certain non-Executive Director positions authorised by the Board. The Board has authorised   Mr Gray to serve as a non-Executive director and Audit Committee Chairman of United Drug plc and a non-Executive  Director of Danica Life Limited and in the year ended 31 December 2010 he was paid and retained fees of €67,000  ($88,600) by United Drug plc and €33,075 ($43,740) by Danica Life Limited. The agreement includes certain post  termination clauses including non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions. Further details of   these payments and contributions are set out in the Directors and Key Executive Officers remuneration tables on   pages 17 and 18. Mr. Ciaran Murray Mr. Ciaran Murray has served as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) since October 2005. He has also held the position  of Company Secretary since January 2006. 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 Compensation and Organisation Committee.   He is also entitled to receive a pension contribution, company car allowance and medical insurance cover for himself   and his dependants. He was previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 145,000 ordinary share options at exercise  prices ranging from $10.42 to $35.33 per share. On 10 February 2011 he was awarded 50,000 restricted stock units  which will vest on the fifth anniversary of date of award. His service agreement requires him to devote his full time and  attention to his duties for the Company excepting certain non-Executive Director positions authorised by the Board.   The agreement includes certain post-termination clauses including non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation  provisions. Further details of these payments and contributions are set out in the Directors and Key Executive Officers  remuneration tables on pages 17 and 18. 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. 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. The new arrangements with Dr. Climax   in his position as an a non-executive director provide for the payment to him of director fees of $48,000 per annum   plus reasonable expenses properly incurred in carrying out his duties for the Company. He was previously granted   and held at 18 April 2011, 108,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $8.88 to $35.33 per share. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) Directors’ and Key Executive Officers service agreements and letters of engagement continued) Dr. John Climax (continued) 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 2009 Agreement”). Pursuant to the December 2009 Agreement,   Dr. Climax received, having regard to the Dr. Climax Service Agreement (which terminated pursuant to the December  2009 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 2009 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 at   a cost to the Company of €52,706 ($68,063). Further details of these payments and contributions are set out in the  Directors and Key Executive Officers remuneration table on pages 17 and 18. 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 $52,000 per annum plus reasonable expenses properly incurred in  carrying out his duties for the Company. He was previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 24,000 ordinary share  options at exercise prices ranging from $8.60 to $35.33 per share. 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 plus reasonable expenses properly  incurred in carrying out his duties for the Company. He was previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 20,000 ordinary  share options at exercise prices ranging from $8.60 to $35.33 per share. 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 $73,000 per annum (pre 23 February 2010:  $53,000 per annum). He was previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 12,000 ordinary share options at an  exercise prices ranging from $22.26 to $36.04. 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 $78,000 per annum (pre 23 February 2010: $53,000 per  annum). He was previously granted and held at 18 April 2011, 7,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging  from $15.84 to $24.46. 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. He was previously granted  and held at 18 April 2011, 5,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $20.28 to $29.45. Ms Cathrin Petty Ms. Cathrin Petty has served as a non-executive director of the Company since October 2010. The arrangements with  Ms. Petty provide for the payment to her of directors fees of $53,000 per annum. She was previously granted and held  at 18 April 2011, 5,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $19.45 to $20.28.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) Directors and Key Executive Officers Remuneration Year ended 31 December 2010 Salary Bonus Pension contribution* All other compensation Subtotal Subtotal Director Fees Share- based*** compensation Total compensation €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Executive Director/Key Executive Officers Peter Gray Ciaran Murray 525 400 925 105 100 205 Non-executive Directors Bruce Given John Climax** Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Edward Roberts Dermot Kelleher Anthony Murphy Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 53 38 91 – – – – – – – – – – Total 9 0 9 37 18 55 – 53 – – – – – – – 720 556 958 739 1,276 1,697 – 53 – – – – – – – – 68 – – – – – – – – – – 317 48 52 78 17 65 75 40 12 761 219 980 31 7 21 23 44 30 14 12 2 53 0 53 68 ,9 , 704 0 184 , 1,719 958 2,677 348 123 73 101 61 95 89 52 14 956 , * Pension contributions above represent contributions paid by the Company to a defined contribution pension scheme. ** Further information is set out in the Directors’ and Key Executive Officers service agreements and letters of engagement section on pages 15 and 16 of this report. *** Represents the current year amortisation of the grant-date fair value of share options. The grant date fair value is calculated using a binomial lattice model and is  amortised to the Consolidated Income statement over the period of vesting of the related option. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) Directors and Key Executive Officers Remuneration Year ended 31 December 2009 Salary Bonus Pension contribution* All other compensation Subtotal Subtotal Director Fees Share- based*** compensation Total compensation €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Executive Director/Key Executive Officers John Climax** Peter Gray Ciaran Murray 600 500 309 1,409 350 388 209 947 Non-executive Directors Bruce Given Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Edward Roberts Dermot Kelleher Anthony Murphy Shuiji Higuchi – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 440 49 27 516 – – – – – – – – 954 2,344 38 18 975 563 1,010 3,882 3,352 1,358 785 5,495 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Total ,09 9  ,00 , ,9 – – – – 66 48 78 78 52 42 – 364  401 174 149 724 23 20 23 23 34 6 14 143  3,753 1,532 933 6,218 89 68 101 101 86 48 14 507 , * Pension contributions above represent contributions paid by the Company to a defined contribution pension scheme. ** Further information is set out in the Directors’ and Key Executive Officers service agreements and letters of engagement section on pages 15 and 16 of this report. *** Represents the current year amortisation of the grant-date fair value of share options. The grant date fair value is calculated using a binomial lattice model and is  amortised to the Consolidated Income statement over the period of vesting of the related option.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) The Directors and Secretary who held office at 31 December 2010 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: Interest at  April 0 Interest at  December 00 Interest at  December 009 Name of Director/ Key Executive Officer Name of company and description of shares Number Number Number of shares Options of shares Options of shares Options Dr. Bruce Given ICON plc Ordinary Shares €0.06 00 ,000 00 0,000 – 16,000 Peter Gray ICON plc Ordinary Shares €0.06 , ,000 , ,000 396,288 128,000 Holmrook Limited “C” Ordinary Shares  €0.126974 Ciaran Murray ICON plc ,000 – ,000 – 1,000 – Ordinary Shares €0.06 – ,000 – ,000 – 125,000 Holmrook Limited “H” Ordinary Shares  €0.0126973 Dr. John Climax ICON plc 0,000 – 0,000 – 10,000 – Ordinary Shares €0.06 ,0, 0,000 ,0, 0,000 3,107,568 124,000 Holmrook Limited “A” Ordinary Shares  €0.634869 Dr. Ronan Lambe ICON plc 00 – 00 – 200 – Ordinary Shares €0.06 00 ,000 00 ,000 54,380 26,000 Holmrook Limited “B” Ordinary Shares  €0.317435 Thomas Lynch ICON plc 00 – 00 – 400 – Ordinary Shares €0.06 ,0 0,000 ,0 ,000 4 17,200 Prof. Dermot Kelleher ICON plc Ordinary Shares €0.06 – ,000 – 0,000 Dr. Anthony Murphy ICON plc Ordinary Shares €0.06 00 ,000 00 ,000 Declan McKeon ICON plc Ordinary Shares €0.06 Cathrin Petty ICON plc Ordinary Shares €0.06 – – ,000 ,000 – – ,000 ,000 – – – – 8,000 3,000 3,000 – On 3 March 2011 Mr. Peter Gray was awarded 100,000 restricted stock units which will vest after 3 years.   On 10 February 2011 Mr. Ciaran Murray was awarded 50,000 restricted stock units which will vest after 5 years. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) Further details regarding the above options at 31 December 2010 are as follows: Name of Director/ Key Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Ciaran Murray Dr. John Climax Dr. Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty Options Exercise price Grant date Expiry date 4,000 4,000 4,000 2,000 2,000 4,000 12,000 12,000 14,000 50,000 150,000 20,000 18,000 16,000 14,000 17,000 30,000 20,000 12,000 12,000 10,000 50,000 2,000 6,000 4,000 4,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,400 2,400 3,200 4,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 6,000 2,000 2,000 3,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 $8.60 $11.00 $21.25 $35.33 $22.26 $24.46 $11.00 $21.25 $35.33 $15.84 $24.25 $10.42 $11.00 $21.25 $35.33 $22.26 $24.46 $8.88 $11.00 $21.25 $35.33 $15.84 $24.46 $8.88 $8.60 $11.00 $21.25 $35.33 $22.26 $24.46 $8.88 $8.60 $11.00 $21.25 $35.33 $22.26 $24.46 $36.04 $22.26 $24.46 $15.84 $24.46 $29.45 $19.45 24 February 2005 3 February 2006 16 February 2007 26 February 2008 25 February 2009 4 March 2010 3 February 2006 16 February 2007 26 February 2008 30 April 2009 8 March 2010 17 January 2006 3 February 2006 16 February 2007 26 February 2008 25 February 2009 4 March 2010 4 February 2004 3 February 2006 16 February 2007 26 February 2008 30 April 2009 4 March 2010 4 February 2004 24 February 2005 3 February 2006 16 February 2007 26 February 2008 25 February 2009 4 March 2010 4 February 2004 24 February 2005 3 February 2006 16 February 2007 26 February 2008 25 February 2009 4 March 2010 27 May 2008 25 February 2009 4 March 2010 24 February 2013 3 February 2014 16 February 2015 26 February 2016 25 February 2017 4 March 2018 3 February 2014 16 February 2015 26 February 2016 30 April 2017 8 March 2018 17 January 2014 3 February 2014 16 February 2015 26 February 2016 25 February 2017 4 March 2018 4 February 2012 3 February 2014 16 February 2015 26 February 2016 30 April 2017 4 March 2018 4 February 2012 24 February 2013 3 February 2014 16 February 2015 26 February 2016 25 February 2017 4 March 2018 4 February 2012 24 February 2013 3 February 2014 16 February 2015 26 February 2016 25 February 2017 4 March 2018 27 May 2016 25 February 2017 4 March 2018 30 April 2009 4 March 2010 30 April 2017 4 March 2018 29 April 2010 29 April 2018 26 October 2010 26 October 2018 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Compensation and Organisation Committee Report (continued) Directors’ and Key Executive Officers share and share option transactions Details of transactions entered into by Directors and Key Executive Officers in shares and shares options of the  Company during the year ended 31 December 2010 were are follows: Name of Director/Key Executive Officer No. Options Options Exercised Average Exercise Price Market Price on date of Exercise Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Ciaran Murray Dr. John Climax Dr. Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy  Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty Name of Director/ Key Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Ciaran Murray Dr. John Climax Dr. Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy  Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty – 40,000 40,000 20,000 6,000 1,200 – – – – $7.94 $10.42 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 – – – – $28.78 $24.25 $20.12 $20.36 $19.87 – – – Shares Purchased Shares Sold Average purchase price/ exercise price No. Shares 500 $24.67 – – – – – – 200 – – – – – – – – $23.87 – – No. Shares – (60,000) (40,000) (1,520,000) (59,900) – – – – – Average Market Price of Shares Sold – $28.78 $24.25 $24.31 $22.25 – – – – – The market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year ended 31 December 2010 moved in the range   of $18.93 to $30.31 (year ended 31 December 2009: in the range of $12.17 to $26.85). The closing share price   at 31 December 2010 was $21.90 (at 31 December 2009 $21.73). On behalf of the Compensation and Organisation Committee Dr. Anthony Murphy  Chairman Compensation and Organisation Committee 18 April 2011 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Corporate Governance Report The Company’s primary listing for its shares is the NASDAQ market. The Company also maintains a secondary listing on  the Irish Stock Exchange. The Company is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance  consistent with best practice and during the year ended 31 December 2010 has applied, where practicable, the principles  set out in section 1 of the Combined Code on Corporate Governance published by the Financial Reporting Council in  June 2008 (the “Combined Code”) and adopted by the Irish Stock Exchange. The Company also welcomes the introduction  of the UK Corporate Governance code published by the Financial Reporting Council in June 2010 (the “2010 UK Code”)  and the Irish Corporate Governance Annex published by the Irish Stock Exchange in December 2010 (the “Irish Annex”)  both of which, pursuant to the Company’s secondary listing on the Irish Stock Exchange, will apply to the Company’s  financial year ending 31 December 2011. Board of 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. The Board comprises one executive and eight non-Executive Directors at the date of this report. The non-Executive  Directors bring independent judgment 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 skills, experience and  knowledge and each non-Executive Director has specific skills, experience and knowledge that is valuable to the  Company. Board members between them have very strong financial, pharmaceutical, CRO, scientific, medical, human  resources and other skills and knowledge which are harnessed to address the challenges facing the Group. 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 Company’s system of internal controls, thereby maintaining control of the Company 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. The Board considers its current size (9 directors) to be adequate   but continues to look for suitable qualified potential candidates to join the Board. As detailed below, certain other matters are delegated to Board Committees and all Board Committees report to the  Board. The Company maintains an appropriate level of insurance cover in respect of legal action against its Directors.  The Board, through the Nominating and Governance Committee, engages in succession planning for the Board and   in so doing considers the strength and depth of the Board and the levels of knowledge, skills and experience of the  directors necessary for the Group to achieve its objectives. The Board normally meets at least four times each year.  During the year ended 31 December 2010 the Board met on four occasions. Additional meetings and Board updates,  to consider specific issues, are held as and when required. All Directors allocated sufficient time to the Company during  the year ended 31 December 2010 to effectively discharge their responsibilities to the Company.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Corporate Governance Report (continued) Directors’ retirement and re-election The Company’s Articles of Association provide that, unless otherwise determined by the Company at a general meeting,  the number of directors shall not be more than 15 nor less than 3. At each annual general meeting, 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. The directors to retire shall be those who have been longest in office, but as between persons  who became or were last re-appointed on the same day, those to retire shall be determined, unless otherwise agreed,  by lot. Any additional director appointed by the Company shall hold office until the next annual general meeting and will  be subject to re-election at that meeting. Accordingly, at the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in  2011, it is anticipated that two directors will retire by rotation and offer themselves for re-election. In addition, Catherin  Petty, having been appointed a Director by the Company in October 2010, will also offer herself for re-election. The Company has noted that the 2010 UK Code does provide for annual re-election of the entire Board for FTSE 350  companies and that the Irish Annex provides that the Company is to be regarded as a FTSE350 company for the purposes  of the 2010 UK Code. The Company however, is currently intending not to apply annual re-election of the entire Board  for the July 2011 annual general meeting as it is not required to do so under the NASDAQ rules (where the Company  has its primary listing) and also because the Company does not believe that putting the entire Board up for annual   re-election in 2011 is in the best interest of shareholders. The Company will however monitor how annual re-election   is applied to other listed companies that have implemented the 2010 UK Code and will re-evaluate if annual re-election  should apply to all of the Company’s Board of Directors in 2012 and beyond. Directors’ Independence The Board considers the non-Executive Directors, excluding Dr. Ronan Lambe and Dr. John Climax, to be independent.  This means that the Board considers each of Cathrin Petty, Declan Mc Keon, Dermot Kelleher, Anthony Murphy and  Thomas Lynch to be independent. The Board consider this to be the case notwithstanding: (i)  the granting of share options to them which is considered appropriate given the work that they undertake   on behalf of the Company, their value to the company and the fact that the Company’s primary listing is on   the NASDAQ (as NASDAQ rules do not prevent non-Executive directors from receiving share options). The  Company acknowledges that the 2010 UK Code recommends that non-Executive Directors should not receive  share options but the Company feels that, based on the reasons above, it is appropriate for share options to   be granted to Non-executive directors; and (ii)  in the case of Thomas Lynch, that he has served as a non-Executive Director for more than 9 years.   (The reasons for this are set out in the Compliance Statement on page 29.) The non-Executive Directors bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance, resources,   key appointments and standards and the Board are satisfied that all of the independent non-Executive directors are  independent in character and judgement and there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect,   or could appear to affect, any independent non-executive’s judgement. Chairman On 1 January 2010 Dr. Bruce Given was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Company; replacing Dr. John Climax  who resigned as Chairman of the Board on 31 December 2009. The Chairman is responsible for the efficient and effective  working of the Board. He ensures that 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. The Chairman evaluates and monitors the performance of the other Directors.  The Board is aware that the 2010 UK Code recommends for FTSE350 companies, that the evaluation of the Board  should be externally facilitated at least every three years. The 2010 UK Code will apply to the year ending 31 December  2011 but the Company has already started to consider how external Board evaluation would work in practice and if it  would be to the benefit of shareholders. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Corporate Governance Report (continued) 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 the previous Senior Independent Director. 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. Skill and Contribution of Directors The skills, knowledge and experience of each of the Directors is set out in the Board of Directors and Senior Management  section. The Company believes their combined broad and diverse skills, knowledge and experience are appropriate and  adequate for the Company however the Board continues to look for potential new Board members. The Chairman has  informally evaluated the contribution of each Director to the Board during the year ended 31 December 2010 and was  satisfied with each Directors contribution. Induction and development An induction program is arranged for all new Directors. This covers the major trading activities of the Company, the   roles and responsibilities of Directors, information on the Group’s Strategy and individual meetings with members of the  Company’s senior management team. All Directors are informed of relevant corporate and compliance developments as  they arise and the Directors regularly update and refresh their skills and knowledge as appropriate. Board committees 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. Each Committee has been charged with specific  responsibilities and each has written terms of reference that are reviewed periodically. 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. Appropriate key executives are regularly invited to attend meetings of the Board committees.  Each Committee Chairman informally evaluated the contribution of each Committee member to the Committee during  the year ended 31 December 2010 and was satisfied with each Directors’ contribution.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Corporate Governance Report (continued) The membership of each board Committee as at 18 April 2011, together with details of date of appointment to the  committee, are as follows: Board committee membership and dates of appointment Compensation and Organisation Nominating and Governance Audit Execution Quality Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Dr. Ronan Lambe Dr. John Climax Thomas Lynch 17 July 1998 17 July 1998 22 July 2004 Prof. Dermot Kelleher 28 April 2008 – – Dr. Anthony Murphy Mr Declan McKeon  Ms Cathrin Petty  – 19 Oct 2009 21 Feb 2010 19 April 2010 18 Oct 2010 – – – – 23 Sept 2004 23 Sept 2004 23 Feb 2010 – – – – – – – – – – 9 Aug 2002 – – – – – – – – – 23 Feb 2010 – – 23 Feb 2010 – – – Audit Committee The Audit Committee meets a minimum of four times a year. It reviews the quarterly and annual financial statements, the  effectiveness of the system of internal control (including the arrangement for group staff to raise concerns in confidence  about possible financial inappropriateness) and recommends 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. The Company is aware of the importance of risk management and has noted the developments in relation to risk  management introduced by the 2010 UK Code and the Irish Corporate Governance Annex. Management, together with  input from the audit committee, are working with external risk consultants to evaluate the Group’s current risk strategies  and policies which have been developed by the group based on the group’s activities and potential exposures. The  establishment of the quality committee of the Board in February 2010 was part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to  manage and monitor risk. Ensuring that the Group does its work and provides its services in accordance with regulatory  standards and contractual obligations is one of the Group’s key objectives. At the Company’s Board meeting on 23 February 2010 the composition of the Audit Committee was amended to  comprise Thomas Lynch (Chairman), Edward Roberts, and Professor Dermot Kelleher, having previously comprised  Edward Roberts (Chairman), Thomas Lynch, Bruce Given and Professor Dermot Kelleher. On 19 April 2010 Edward  Roberts resigned as a member of the Audit Committee and was replaced by Declan McKeon. On 18 October 2010  Cathrin Petty was appointed as a member of the Audit Committee. In addition, it has been agreed that Declan McKeon  will replace Thomas Lynch as Chairman of the Audit Committee with effect from the Company’s July 2011 Audit  Committee meeting. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Corporate Governance Report (continued) Compensation and Organisation Committee The Compensation and Organisation Committee is responsible for senior executive remuneration. The 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. Annual bonuses for the executive director are determined by the  committee based on the achievement of the Company’s objectives. The Committee also oversees succession planning  for the Groups’ senior management. The Compensation and Organisation Committee currently comprises two  independent non-executive Directors and the Chairman. The Company notes that the 2010 UK code recommends   that the Committee should comprise at least three independent non-executive Directors and may also comprise the  Chairman. The Company will continue to monitor the composition of its Board committees during the year ended   31 December 2011. At the Company’s Board meeting on 23 February 2010 composition of the Compensation and Organisation Committee  was amended to comprise and currently comprises Dr Anthony Murphy (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and Thomas Lynch,  having previously comprised Dr. Anthony Murphy (Chairman), Edward Roberts, Dr. Bruce Given and Thomas Lynch. Nominating and Governance Committee The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews the membership of the Board and Board committees on an  ongoing basis. As part of this it regularly evaluates the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board and  then based on this evaluation, identifies and if appropriate recommends individuals to join the Board. The Committee  used in 2010 and is using during 2011 an external search consultant to assist it in identifying potential new non-Executive  Directors. Once potential suitable candidates are identified either by the external search consultants or by members of  the nominating Committee, the Committee then discusses and considers the skills, knowledge and experience of the  potential candidate. The Committee will assess if the Board requires and would benefit from the potential candidate’s  skills knowledge and experience and if it decides the potential candidate is suitable and would add relevant skills,  knowledge and experience to the Board, the committee recommends to the Board that the potential candidate be  appointed to the Board. The Board then decides whether or not to appoint the candidate. The Committee pays  attention to the need to consider and have diversity of the Board members when making recommendations to the  Board and was pleased when Cathrin Petty was appointed as a Director in October 2010. The Committee also reviews  and recommends the corporate governance principles of the Company. At the Company’s Board meeting on 23 February 2010 composition of the Nominating and Governance Committee   was amended to comprise Dr. Anthony Murphy (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and Thomas Lynch, having previously  comprised Thomas Lynch (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and Dr. Anthony Murphy. Execution Committee The primary function of the Execution Committee is to exercise the power and authority of the Board at intervals  between meetings of the Board. All powers exercised by the Execution Committee are ratified at subsequent 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 composition of the Execution Committee was amended to comprise Peter Gray  (Chairman), Dr. Bruce Given and Ciaran Murray, having previously comprised Peter Gray (Chairman), Dr. John Climax  and Ciaran Murray. Quality Committee On 23 February 2010 the Company established a Quality Committee. The primary function of this committee is to  oversee the Company’s quality strategy, commitment and performance. The committee comprises Professor Dermot  Kelleher (Chairman) and Dr. Ronan Lambe. Due to the importance of operational quality to the Groups business, the  Board concluded that the Quality Committee reporting to the Board will be part of the Board’s annual review of risk  management as required by the 2010 UK Code.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Corporate Governance Report (continued) Attendance at Board and Committee meetings Attendance at Board and committee meetings by the directors who held office during 2010 are set out as follows: Directors’ Attendance Table Board Audit Compensation and Organisation Nominating and Governance Execution Quality Director Number of meetings attended/number of meetings eligible to attend Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Dr. Ronan Lambe Dr. John Climax Thomas Lynch Edward Roberts   (resigned April 2010) Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy Mr Declan McKeon   (appointed April 2010) Ms Cathrin Petty   (appointed October 2010) * Denotes committee chairman. Internal control 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 4/4 2/2 4/4 4/4 3/3 1/1 – – – – 4/4 2/2 4/4 – 3/3* – 4/4 – – – 3/4 2/2 – 4/4* – – 3/3 – – – 3/3 2/2 – 3/3* – – 1/1 1/1* – – – – – – – – – – 3/3 – – – 3/3* – – – 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 principal processes comprising the system of internal control are as follows: n  A clear focus on business objectives is established by the Board having considered the risk profile of the Group; n  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 in order to achieve the strategic objectives   which the Board has adopted for the Group; n  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; n  The Board 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. The executive Director reports to the Board  significant changes in the business and external environment which affect the significant risks identified; n  The Company has a comprehensive process for reporting financial information to the Board including a budget  process which is approved annually by the Board. The Chief Financial Officer provides the Board with quarterly  financial information which includes key performance indicators; n  The Group has a formal system of management and financial reporting, treasury management and capital project  appraisal. This reporting system includes reporting on trading activities, operational issues, financial performance,  working capital, cash flow and asset management. All material commitments are subject to Board approval. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Corporate Governance Report (continued) To support our system of internal control the Company has a separate Internal Audit Function which reports  independently to the Audit Committee of the Board. The Board reviews the effectiveness of the system of internal  control and where areas for improvement in the system are identified, they will consider the recommendations made   by the Audit Committee. 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 risks, which are set out in Appendix A of this annual report, are assessed on a continual basis. 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, as outlined above, that there is an ongoing process for identifying,  evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Group. This has been in place for the period under review  and up to the date of approval of the annual report and financial statements and is reviewed by the Board in  accordance with the guidance. Memorandum and articles of association The Company’s Memorandum of Association sets out the objectives and powers of the Company. The Articles of  Association detail the rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary shares; the method by which the Company’s shares  can be purchased or re-issued; the provisions which apply to the holding of and voting at general meetings; and the  rules relating to the Directors, including their appointment, retirement, re-election, duties and powers. The Company’s  Articles of Association may be amended by 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. A copy of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association can be obtained from the Company’s website,  www.iconplc.com. Code of ethics The Board of Directors adopted the Company’s code of ethics in 2003 (the “2003 Code”), which applies to the Chief  Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and any persons performing similar functions, if any, of the Company. On   22 March 2011 the 2003 Code was replaced by the Group’s new code of ethics which applies to all Group employees  (the “2011 Code”). There are no material modifications to, or waivers from, the provisions of the 2011 Code, which are  required to be disclosed and prior to being replaced by the 2011 Code, there were no waivers from the provisions of  the 2003 Code although minor modifications were made to it in January 2011. A copy of both the 2003 Ethics Code  and the 2011 Ethics Code are available on the Company’s website, www.iconplc.com. 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. 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 is available to respond  throughout the year to shareholders on issues that shareholders wish to raise. The non-Executive directors are kept  informed of the views of the stock market analysts and major shareholders in relation to the Company. The Company’s website, www.iconplc.com, provides the full text of annual and interim reports together with all relevant  press releases.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Corporate Governance Report (continued) Compliance statement The Board confirms that the Company has complied with the relevant principles of section 1 of the Combined Code  during the year ended 31 December 2010 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 which is allowed by the NASDAQ listing rules where the Company has its primary listing), 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 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 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. The Board welcomes the introduction of and is actively considering the 2010 UK Code and Irish Annex which apply in  respect of the financial year commenced 1 January 2011. Since 1 January 2011, the Company has complied with the  relevant provisions of the 2010 UK Code except for: n  The exceptions listed above in respect of the Combined Code, n  The Company currently intends not to put all Directors up for re-election in 2011 and instead will put forward   3 of the 9 Directors in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, n  The Company does not intend in 2011 to have an independent evaluation of the Board but it should be noted  that an independent evaluation is only required once every 3 years. The Company feels that all non-compliance with the Combined Code, the 2010 UK Code and the Irish Annex are  adequately explained in the Annual Report and that none have any material impact on Shareholder’s interests. On behalf of the board Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 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 (outlined in Appendix A) 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. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities (continued) 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 2010 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 2010; 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 Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 2010 which comprise of the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated and Company  Statements of Financial Position, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flow, the Consolidated  Statements of Recognised Income and Expense, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity   and the related notes (notes 1 to 32). 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 pages 30 and 31. 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 are required by law to report to you our opinion as to whether the description of the main features of the internal  control and risk management systems in relation to the process for preparing the consolidated group financial statements,  set out in the annual Corporate Governance Statement is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. In addition  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.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of ICON plc (continued) 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. 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 2010 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 2010; 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 and the description in the annual corporate governance  statement of the main features of the internal control and risk management systems in relation to the process for  preparing the consolidated groups financial statements 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 2010 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 18 April 2011 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 2010. 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 Comprehensive Income. The adoption of the  amendment did not impact on the Statement of 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 and the UK defined  benefit pension plan. 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 Group 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 Group 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 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)* 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)  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) Statement of compliance (continued) 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 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 Comprehensive Income. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 .0 Year to  31 December  2009 1.39520 1.56763  December 00 31 December  2009 . .99 1.43160 1.61540 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 2010 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 acquisition  which is contingent on future events, the amount of the estimated adjustment is recognised on the acquisition date at  the acquisition date fair value of this contingent consideration if it can be reliably measured. Any changes to this estimate   in subsequent periods will depend on the classification of the contingent consideration. If the contingent consideration   is classified as equity it shall not be remeasured and the settlement shall be accounted for within equity. If the contingent  consideration is classified as an asset or liability any adjustments will be accounted for through the Consolidated Income  Statement or other comprehensive income depending on whether the asset or liability is considered a financial instrument. 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. 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. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) Goodwill (continued) 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. 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  Years 4-8  3-11  6  3  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) Inventories 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. Net realisable value is  the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less selling expenses. Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables 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. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) 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. 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 shares 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. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) Employee benefits (continued) (a) Pension and other post-employment benefits (continued) 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 financing income line in the Consolidated income statement while  interest on the scheme liabilities are recorded in the financing 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. 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 awarded  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. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) Revenue recognition (continued) 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. 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 net 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 on bank loans, interest costs on defined   benefit obligations 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 and actuarial gains on pension plan assets.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Statement of Accounting Policies (continued) 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. 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.  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. 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 2010  Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2010 Gross revenue Reimbursable expenses Net revenue Direct costs Other operating expenses Exceptional items Operating profit Financing income Financing expense Profit before taxation Income tax expense Profit for the year Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 Note ,, 1,258,227 1 7 3 4 2 5 (,0) 900,0 (,0) (,) – 9, , (,) 9,9 (,) (370,615) 887,612 (508,462) (262,153) (8,808) 108,189 1,492 (5,762) 103,919 (11,211) , 92,708 24 , 92,708 Profit for the year , 92,708 Earnings per ordinary share Basic Diluted 6 6 . . 1.58 1.54 On behalf of the Board Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2010 Items of income and expense recognised directly in equity Currency translation differences Foreign exchange on long-term intercompany funding (net of tax) 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  2009  $’000 Note 24 24 5 24 9 (9,0) 7,797 (,) 2,251 (,) , 611 487 (,09) (619) Net (loss)/income recognised directly in equity (,0) 10,527 Profit for the financial year , 92,708 Total recognised income and expense for the year   attributable to equity holders of the company , 103,235 On behalf of the Board Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2010 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 Deferred tax liabilities Total non-current liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable Payments on account Accrued and other liabilities Current tax payable Total current liabilities Total liabilities Total equity and liabilities On behalf of the Board Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 Note 11 12 14 5 15 16 17 18 19 23 24 20 5 20 0,00 ,9 0,9 , , ,9 ,90 0, ,00 9, – ,0 , 99, ,0 , , , 9 ,9 , , ,9 , , ,0 00, ,9 9, ,0 99, 152,825 222,999 7,837 7,556 391,217 3,559 191,924 92,080 24,828 15,110 49,227 144,801 521,529 912,746 4,965 142,518 31,017 7,422 11,328 392,531 589,781 4,594 955 5,549 12,123 165,198 118,963 21,132 317,416 322,965 912,746 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2010 Number of shares Share Capital $’000 Share Premium $’000 Options Reserve $’000 Other Reserves $’000 Currency Reserve $’000 Retained Earnings $’000 Total $’000 59,007,565 4,965 142,518 31,017 7,422 11,328 392,531 589,781 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1,237,015 98 13,070 – – – (2,865) 2,345 – (520) (520) 7,383 – – – – (51) 2,512 – – – – – – (6,402) 1,239,527 98 13,019 1,239,527 98 13,019 981 981 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 86,172 86,172 (9,701) (1,278) – – – – – – – (9,701) (1,278) (2,865) 2,345 (1,209) (1,209) (10,979) (1,209) (12,708) (10,979) 84,963 73,464 – – – – – – – – – – – 7,383 13,168 – (51) 6,402 – 6,402 20,500 6,402 20,500 60,247,092 5,063 155,537 31,478 7,422 349 483,896 683,745 Balance at   1 January 2010 Total comprehensive income for the year: Profit for the year Other Comprehensive Income: Foreign currency  translation Foreign exchange   on long-term   funding (net of tax) Deferred tax movement   on unexercised options Tax benefit excess on  exercise of options Employee benefits Total other   comprehensive income Total comprehensive   income for the year Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payment Exercise of   share options Issue of restricted   share units Share issue costs Transfer of exercised and   expired share-based  awards Total contributions   by and distributions   to owners Total transactions   with owners Balance at   31 December 2010 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2009 Number of shares Share Capital $’000 Share Premium $’000 Options Reserve $’000 Other Reserves $’000 Currency Reserve $’000 Retained Earnings $’000 Total $’000 58,518,195 4,921 138,227 28,123 7,422 1,280 294,153 474,126 Balance at   1 January 2009 Total comprehensive income for the year: Profit for the year Other Comprehensive Income: Foreign currency  translation Foreign exchange   on long-term funding   (net of tax) Deferred tax movement   on unexercised options Tax benefit excess   on exercise of options Employee benefits Total other comprehensive  income Total comprehensive  income for the year Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payment Share issue costs Transfer of exercised   and expired share-based  awards Total contributions   by and distributions   to owners Total transactions   with owners Balance at   31 December 2009 – – – – – – – – – – – 489,730 489,730 Exercise of share options 489,370 – – – – – – – – – 44 – – 44 44 – – – – – – – – – 4,375 (84) – – – 611 487 – 1,098 1,098 8,085 – – – (6,289) 4,291 1,796 4,291 1,796 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 92,708 92,708 7,797 2,251 – – – – – – – (619) 7,797 2,251 611 487 (619) 10,048 (619) 10,527 10,048 92,089 103,235 – – – – – – – – – 8,085 4,419 (84) 6,289 – 6,289 12,420 6,289 12,420 59,007,565 4,965 142,518 31,017 7,422 11,328 392,531 589,781 Further details of the reserves above are detailed in note 24  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2010 Profit for the financial year Adjustments to reconcile net income 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 Finance expense Defined benefit pension costs Income tax expense Operating cash inflow before changes in working capital Decrease in accounts receivable (Increase)/decrease in unbilled revenue (Increase)/decrease in other current assets Increase in other non current assets Increase in inventory Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable (Decrease)/increase in payments on account (Decrease)/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 provided by/(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 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 Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 , 92,708  ,9 ,00 (0) , (,) ,  , , , (,) () (,) ()  (9,9) (,90) 999 0, (,) (9) ,0 () , (,990) (,9) (,9) – 9, (0,0) – , – – , , () () ,9 ,0 (,0) ,0 ,0 264 22,492 10,167 (149) 8,085 (1,492) 5,762 182 11,211 149,230 25,804 47,898 4,264 (903) (202) (5,641) 43,474 10,639 1,261 275,824 (17,610) (432) 930 (3,642) 255,070 (22,274) (11,518) (25,932) 32 17,544 (24,045) 501 (65,692) 17,400 (126,969) 487 4,419 (84) (311) (105,058) 84,320 2,103 58,378 144,801 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Company Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2010 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 Amounts due by subsidiary undertakings Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Note 31(a) 31(b) 31(c) 31(d) 31(e)  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,  , ,0 9,9 ,0  , ,9 1,781 183 351,190 1,333 354,487 3,304 – 1,031 4,335 Total assets ,00 358,822 EQUITY Share capital Share premium Options reserve Other reserves Functional currency translation reserve Retained earnings Attributable to equity holders Total equity LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable Accrued and other liabilities Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings Current taxes payable Total current liabilities Total liabilities Total equity and liabilities On behalf of the Board Dr. Bruce Given  Director Peter Gray  Director 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 ,0 , 0,900 ,0 ,99 , , 4,965 142,518 29,919 6,071 32,521 116,509 332,503 , 332,503  , –  , , 305 9,587 16,406 21 26,319 26,319 ,00 358,822 31(f) Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2010 Number of shares Share Capital $’000 Share Premium $’000 Options Reserve $’000 Other Reserves $’000 Currency Reserve $’000 Retained Earnings $’000 Total Equity $’000 59,007,565 4,965 142,518 29,919 6,071 32,521 116,509 332,503 – – – – – 2,512 – – – – – – – 98 – – – – – – – – 13,070 – (51) – – – – 7,383 – – – – (6,402) 1,239,527 98 13,019 1,239,527 98 13,019 981 981 – – – – – – – – – – – – 1,956 1,956 (18,524) (18,524) – – (18,524) (18,524) (18,524) 1,956 (16,568) – – – – – – – – – – – 7,383 13,168 – (51) 6,402 – 6,402 20,500 6,402 20,500 Balance at   1 January 2010 Total comprehensive income for the year: Profit for the year Other comprehensive income Foreign currency  translation Total other   comprehensive income Total comprehensive  income for the year Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payment Issue of restricted   share units Share issue costs Transfer of exercised   and expired share-  based awards Total contributions   by and distributions   to owners Total transactions   with owners Balance at   31 December 2010 Exercise of share options 1,237,015 60,247,092 5,063 155,537 30,900 6,071 13,997 124,867 336,435 As permitted by section 148(8) of the Companies Act 1963, the Company has not presented a Company income  statement. The profit for the 2010 financial year retained by the Company amounted to $(1,956,000) (2009: Loss of  $2,426,000). ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2009 Number of shares Share Capital $’000 Share Premium $’000 Options Reserve $’000 Other Reserves $’000 Currency Reserve $’000 Retained Earnings $’000 Total Equity $’000 58,518,195 4,921 138,227 28,123 6,071 33,924 112,646 323,912 – – – – – – – 489,370 489,370 – – – – – 44 – – 44 44 – – – – – 4,375 (84) – – – – 8,085 – – – (6,289) 4,291 1,796 4,291 1,796 – – – – – – – – – – – (2,426) (2,426) (1,403) (1,403) – – (1,403) (1,403) (1,403) (2,426) (3,829) – – – – – – – – – 8,085 4,419 (84) 6,289 – 6,289 12,420 6,289 12,420 59,007,565 4,965 142,518 29,919 6,071 32,521 116,509 332,503 Balance at   1 January 2009 Total comprehensive income for the year: Loss for the year Other comprehensive income Foreign currency  translation Total other   comprehensive income Total comprehensive  income for the year Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity Share-based payment Share issue costs Transfer of exercised   and expired share-  based awards Total contributions   by and distributions   to owners Total transactions   with owners Balance at   31 December 2009 Exercise of share options 489,370 As permitted by section 148(8) of the Companies Act 1963, the Company has not presented a Company income  statement. The loss for the 2009 financial year retained by the Company amounted to $(2,426,000) (2008: profit   of $55,187,000).  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Company Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2010 Profit/(loss) for the financial year Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) 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 Finance expense Income tax expense Operating cash inflow before changes in working capital Decrease in other current assets Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities Increase in income taxes payable Cash provided by/(used in) operations Interest paid Income taxes paid Net cash inflow/outflow 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 from subsidiary undertakings Proceeds from exercise of share options Share issuance costs Net cash (used in)/provided by 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 Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 ,9 (2,426)   9 , (,) ,0 99 ,0  ,0  9,0 () (9) , () () (99) – – (9,0) , () (,0) ,0 (0) ,0 , 14 526 25 941 (2,549) 3,373 795 699 699 (1,793) 238 (157) (3,642) (854) (4,653) (161) (359) (520) 17,400 (126,969) 110,914 4,419 (84) 5,680 507 80 444 1,031 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements . Segmental information 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. 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 the shareholders equity from US GAAP to IFRS are set out on pages 111 to 113 of this report. The Company operates predominantly in the contract clinical research industry providing a broad range of clinical  research and integrated product development services on a global basis for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology  industries. Historically, the Group organised, operated and assessed its business in two segments, the clinical  research segment and the central laboratory segment, which includes the Company’s central laboratories located   in Dublin, New York, India, Singapore and China. During 2009 management 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. In addition, the central laboratory division did not reach the thresholds of net revenue, income  from operations and total assets as a requirement for being reported as a separate segment. Accordingly, in 2009  the Company consolidated and reclassified the results of the former central laboratory segment into the clinical  research segment for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008. During the year ended 31 December 2010 the Company incurred losses in its central laboratory business which  breached the quantitative criteria in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments and therefore requires the central  laboratory business to be reported as a separate segment. Accordingly the Company has disclosed two reportable  segments for the year ended 31 December 2010. The Company has also reclassified the results of the central  laboratory segment from the clinical research segment for the year ended 31 December 2009. Business Segment Information: Segment Revenue Central laboratory Clinical research Total Segment Income from Operations Central laboratory Clinical research Total Segment Depreciation and Amortisation Central laboratory Clinical research Total Segment Interest Income Central laboratory Clinical research Total  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 (US GAAP) Year ended  December 00 US$’000 (US GAAP)  Year ended  31 December  2009  US$’000 , , 900,0 (,9) 0, 9,09 , ,9 , 0 , , 70,656 816,956 887,612 5,029 102,423 107,452 3,724 28,935 32,659 18 734 752 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Segmental information (continued) Business Segment Information (continued): Segment tax (credit)/charge Central laboratory Clinical research Total Segment assets: Central laboratory Clinical research Total Segment Liabilities: Central laboratory Clinical research Total Capital expenditure: Central laboratory Clinical research Geographical segment information External revenue Ireland Rest of Europe United States Rest of World Non-current assets Europe United States Rest of World Major customers (US GAAP)  December 00 US$’000 (US GAAP)  31 December  2009  US$’000 (,) , , 0,00 9, 99, , , 9, ,99 ,0 ,9 610 9,765 10,375 61,809 846,589 908,398 14,440 321,713 336,153 10,774 24,040 34,814 Year ended  December 00 US$’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  US$’000 ,90 9, ,9 9,9 900,0 0, , , , 151,618 251,104 408,561 76,329 887,612 198,015 178,972 14,230 391,217 No one client accounted for more than 10% of revenue during the years ended 31 December 2010 and   31 December 2009. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Segmental information (continued) Revenue categories There were no significant categories of revenue recognised during the years ended 31 December 2010 and   31 December 2009. . Profit before taxation Profit before taxation is stated after charging the following: Year ended  December 00 Auditors’ remuneration: Audit fees (1) (2) Other assurance fees (3) Tax advisory fees (4) Other non-audit fees (5) Total fees Group auditor $’000 Affiliated firms $’000 ,0  9 0 ,09 0 0  –  Total $’000 , 9 ,0 0 ,0 Year ended 31 December 2009 Group  auditor  $’000 Affiliated  firms  $’000 Total  $’000 1,130 11 585 – 1,726 370 249 342 – 961 1,500 260 927 – 2,687 (1)  Audit fees include annual audit fees for ICON plc and companies based in Ireland and the US. (2)  Audit fees for the Company for the year is set at $30,000 (2009: $30,000). (3)  Other assurance fees principally consist of fees for audit of remaining subsidiaries and fees for audit of financial statements   of employee benefit plans. (4)  Tax advisory fees are for tax compliance and tax advisory services. (5)  Other non-audit fee principally consist of fees for financial due diligence. 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  2009  $’000 0 9 0 9 , ,00 , , , ,0 364 3,991 718 719 5,792 10,167 22,492 36,206 6,935 2,025 For additional information regarding Directors’ shareholdings, share options and compensation, please refer   to the Compensation and Organisation Committee Report and note 8 – Payroll and related benefits.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Financing income Financing income: Interest receivable Defined benefit pension – expected return on plan assets All of the above relates to items not at fair value through profit and loss. . Financing expense Financing expense: Foreign exchange loss on bank loans Interest on bank overdraft and credit facilities Finance lease interest Defined benefit pension-interest cost All of the above relates to items not at fair value through profit and loss Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 , 90 , 752 740 1,492 Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 – ,0   , 1,559 3,460 70 673 5,762 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Income tax expense The components of the current and deferred tax expense for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009   were as follows: Current tax expense: Current year (Over)/under provided in prior years Deferred tax charge/(credit): Origination and reversal of temporary differences Under/(over) provided in prior years Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 , () ,9 ,0  12,969 758 13,727 (1,428) (1,088) Total income tax expense in the income statement , 11,211 The total tax expense of $6.6 million and $11.2 million for the years ended 31 December 2010 and 31 December  2009 respectively, reflects tax at standard rates on taxable profits in the jurisdictions in which the group operates,  foreign withholding tax and the availability of tax losses. The deferred tax charge of $3.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2010 and the deferred tax credit of  $2.5 million for the year ended 31 December 2009, 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  2009  $’000 9, .% ,9 () (,) 9   (,9) , 103,919 12.5% 12,990 (329) 10,249 65 81 4,027 (15,872) 11,211  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Income tax expense (continued) The net deferred tax asset at 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 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 Deferred tax liability disclosed on balance sheet 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 Deferred tax asset disclosed on balance sheet  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 , ,  9  ,00 (,) ,9 , ,  ,9 , 9 ,9 (,) , 5,873 5,492 12 750 1,312 13,439 (12,484) 955 2,133 9,296 353 947 7,072 239 20,040 (12,484) 7,556 Net deferred taxation asset  6,601 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Income tax expense (continued) The movement in temporary differences during the years ended 31 December 2010 and 2009 was as follows: Balance  January 00 $’000 Acquired $’000 Recognised in Income $’000 Recognised in Equity $’000 Balance  December 00 $’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 5,873 5,492 12 1,312 750 ,9 2,133 9,296 353 947 7,073 238 0,00 ,0 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 605 1,856 808 (1,089) (601) ,9 – – 12 – –  , ,   9 ,00 1,710 35* , (2,774) 80 402 (950) (147) (,9) (,) 66* – – (2,865) – (,) (,) ,  ,9 , 9 ,9  * These adjustments relate to currency translation on the deferred tax asset. Balance  January 009 $’000 Acquired $’000 Recognised in Income $’000 Recognised in Equity $’000 Balance  December 009 $’000 Deferred taxation liabilities: Property, plant and equipment Goodwill on acquisition Other intangible assets Accruals to cash method adjustment 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 , ,09 – 718 – – –  206 (338) 773 (1,207) (258) () – (1,592) – – – – – – () 2,482 93 210 285 214 ,9 , – – (7) – – () 35 68 – – 611 3   , ,9 ,  0 ,9 , 9,9  9 ,0  0,00 ,0 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Income tax expense (continued) Unrecognised deferred tax assets At 31 December 2010, 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 $43.3 million  (31 December 2009: $34.8 million). At 31 December 2010, ICON Laboratory Inc., a U.S. subsidiary, had U.S. Federal and State net operating loss   carry forwards of approximately $10.2million and $11.4 million, respectively (31 December 2009: approximately  $6.7 million and $5.3 million). These net operating losses are available for offset against future taxable income and  expire between 2010 and 2029. Of the $10.2 million U.S. Federal and $11.4 million State net operating losses,  approximately $9.1 million and $10.2 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 $1.1 million and $1.2 million respectively is limited to $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. At 31 December 2010, ICON Clinical Research Inc and its US subsidiaries had combined US state net operating  loss carry forwards of approximately $5.2 million and $13.9 million. These NOL’s are available for offset against  future, or in some cases prior taxable income in the relevant state and generally expire between 2019 and 2030. In total, the Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets at 31 December 2010 of $12.3 million and $10.4 million   at 31 December 2009. 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 2010 and 31 December 2009 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 2010: Numerator computations Basic and diluted earnings per share Profit for the financial year Profit attributable to equity holders  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 , , 92,708 92,708 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Earnings per share (continued)  December 00 31 December  2009 Number of Shares Denominator computations Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding – basic Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares 9,,9 58,636,878 ,9, 1,540,702 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding – diluted 0,9, 60,177,580 Earnings per Share Basic earnings per ordinary share Diluted earnings per ordinary share  December 00 $ 31 December  2009  $ . . 1.58 1.54 The Company had 2,568,216 anti-dilutive shares in issue at 31 December 2010 (31 December 2009: 3,060,584). . Exceptional items Exceptional items recognised during the year ended 31 December 2010 comprised: Restructuring Charge Research and Development Incentives Net Charge Restructuring Charge  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 – – – 13,301 (4,493) 8,808 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.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Exceptional items (continued) Details of restructuring provisions recognised are as follows Initial provision recognised Amounts released Net provision recognised Cash payments Property, plant and equipment write-off Closing provision as at 31 December 2010 Research and Development Incentives Workforce Reductions $’000 Office Consolidations $’000 4,886 – 4,886 (4,886) – – 8,548 (133) 8,415 (6,188) (1,912) 315 Total $’000 13,434 (133) 13,301 (11,074) (1,912) 315 During the year ended 31 December 2009 the Company received research and development incentives in certain  jurisdictions in which it operates. Research and development credits are available to the Company under the tax  laws in certain jurisdictions, based on qualifying research and development spend as defined under those tax   laws. Research and development credits are generally recognised as a reduction of income tax expense. However,  certain tax jurisdictions provide refundable credits that are not wholly dependent on the Company’s ongoing income  tax status or income 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. Income   of $4.5 million was recognised during 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 2010 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  2009  $’000 9, , 0,0 (0) , ,00 ,09 462,630 63,724 19,430 217 8,085 554,086 619 Total payroll and related benefit costs ,09 554,705 * 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 $7.4 million was recognised in respect of the year ended 31 December 2010. The compensation expense for the year ended 31 December 2009 was $8.1 million. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 2010 was as follows: Marketing Administration Clinical research processing Laboratory Total Directors’ remuneration Year ended  December 00 Year ended  31 December  2009  ,0 ,  ,0 205 1,243 5,207 397 7,052 Information in relation to the Directors’ shareholdings and share options is included in the Compensation   and Organisation Committee Report on pages 14 to 21. 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 18 April 2011, Dr. Climax   held 108,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $8.88 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 2009 Agreement”). Pursuant to the December 2009  Agreement, Dr. Climax received, having regard to the Dr. Climax Service Agreement (which terminated pursuant   to the December 2009 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 2009 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 overleaf. 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.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 0 0 0 € ’ 8 4 3 9 1 7 1 , 3 7 3 2 1 1 0 1 1 6 5 9 9 8 2 5 4 1 l a t o T n o i t a s n e p m o c s r o t c e r i D d e s a b - e r a h S s e e F 0 0 0 ’ $ 7 1 3 – 8 4 2 5 8 7 7 1 5 6 5 7 0 4 2 1 1 3 1 6 7 7 1 2 3 2 4 4 0 3 4 1 2 1 2 – 8 6 8 5 9 – – – – – – – – 3 5 0 2 7 – – – – – – – 0 0 0 $ ’ s t n e m y a p 0 0 0 ’ $ l a t o t b u S 0 0 0 ’ $ l a t o t b u S – 7 3 3 5 – – – – – – – 0 0 0 ’ € – – – – – – – – – 5 0 1 0 0 0 ’ € – – – – – – – – – 3 5 0 0 0 ’ € r e h t o l l A d e t a e r l e c n a m r o f r e P i n o s n e p y n a p m o C n o i t a s n e p m o c n o i t a s n e p m o c * n o i t u b i r t n o c – – – – – – – – y r a a S l 0 0 0 ’ € – 5 2 5    ,   0    9   0 ,     0 9  0       i l * * x a m C n h o J e b m a L n a n o R h c n y L s a m o h T i n e v G e c u r B y a r G r e t e P s t r e b o R d r a w d E r e h e l l e K t o m r e D y h p r u M y n o h t n A n o e K c M n a c e D l y t t e P n i r h t a C l a t o T e m a N . t r o p e r i s h t f o 6 1 d n a 5 1 s e g a p n o n o i t c e s t n e m e g a g n e f o s r e t t e l d n a s t n e m e e r g a i e c v r e s s r e c i f f O e v i t u c e x E y e K d n a ’ s r o t c e r i D e h t n i t u o t e s s i n o i t a m r o n f i r e h t r u F * * . e m e h c s i n o s n e p n o i t u b i r t n o c d e n i f e d a o t y n a p m o C e h t y b i d a p s n o i t u b i r t n o c t n e s e r p e r e v o b a s n o i t u b i r t n o c i n o s n e p e h T * 0 0 0 $ ’ 9 8 2 3 5 1 , 3 5 7 3 , 8 6 1 0 1 1 0 1 6 8 8 4 4 1 – – 6 6 8 4 8 7 8 7 2 5 2 4 – 3 2 4 7 1 1 0 4 0 2 3 2 3 2 4 3 6 4 1 s e e F 0 0 0 $ ’ n o i t a s n e p m o c s r o t c e r i D s t n e m y a p l a t o T d e s a b - e r a h S – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8 5 3 , 1 2 5 3 , 3 – 5 7 9 4 4 3 , 2 – 8 3 4 5 9 – – – – – – – 8 8 3 0 5 3 – – – – – – – 9 4 0 4 4 – – – – – – 0 0 0 ’ $ l a t o t b u S 0 0 0 ’ $ l a t o t b u S 0 0 0 ’ $ 0 0 0 ’ € 0 0 0 ’ € n o i t a s n e p m o c n o i t a s n e p m o c * n o i t u b i r t n o c r e h t o l l A d e t a e r l e c n a m r o f r e P i n o s n e p y n a p m o C y r a a S l 0 0 0 ’ € – 0 0 5 0 0 6 – – – – – –  9  ,        0   ,  9   ,   9 9    9   0 0  ,  i l * * x a m C n h o J e b m a L n a n o R h c n y L s a m o h T i n e v G e c u r B y a r G r e t e P s t r e b o R d r a w d E r e h e l l e K t o m r e D y h p r u M y n o h t n A i h c u g H i i j u h S l a t o T e m a N 9 0 0  r e b m e c e D   d e d n e r a e Y – l e b a t n o i t a s n e p m o c y r a m m u S 0  0  r e b m e c e D   d e d n e r a e Y – l e b a t n o i t a s n e p m o c y r a m m u S ) d e u n i t n o c ( s t i f e n e b d e t a e r l d n a l l o r y a P .  ) d e u n i t n o c ( s t n e m e t a t S l i a c n a n F i y n a p m o C d n a d e t a d i l o s n o C o t s e t o N ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 . t r o p e r i s h t f o 6 1 d n a 5 1 s e g a p n o n o i t c e s t n e m e g a g n e f o s r e t t e l d n a s t n e m e e r g a i e c v r e s s r e c i f f O e v i t u c e x E y e K d n a ’ s r o t c e r i D e h t n i t u o t e s s i n o i t a m r o n f i r e h t r u F * *  e m e h c s i n o s n e p n o i t u b i r t n o c d e n i f e d a o t y n a p m o C e h t y b i d a p s n o i t u b i r t n o c t n e s e r p e r e v o b a s n o i t u b i r t n o c i n o s n e p e h T *                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. 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 2010 and the year ended 31 December 2009 were $14,206,000   and $14,241,000 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 2010 and year ended   31 December 2009 were $6,603,000 and $5,189,000 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 2010   and 31 December 2009 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 2010. 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 Mortality assumptions  December 00 31 December  2009 .% .0% .% .% .0% 5.70% 7.40% 3.50% 3.40% 4.00% The mortality assumptions adopted at 31 December 2010 imply the following life expectancies at age 62 (2009: 62): Male currently age 40 Female currently age 40 Male currently age 62 Female currently age 62  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  December 00 31 December  2009 . years 9. years . years . years 26.5 years 29.0 years 24.4 years 27.0 years Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at 31 December 2010 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 obligation Actuarial gains/losses Experience adjustments on plan assets Effects of changes in demographic and financial assumptions underlying the  present value of plan liabilities Total actuarial loss in year  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 (,) ,99 (9) (13,686) 13,573 (113) ,0 1,460 (,) (,09) (2,079) (619) Cumulative net actuarial losses reported in the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense from the date of  transition, 1 June 2004, to 31 December 2010 amounted to $0.5 million (31 December 2009: net gains of $0.7 million). Amounts recognised in net periodic pension cost in the Consolidated Income Statement during the year ended   31 December 2010 in respect of defined benefit pension schemes were are follows: Current service cost Interest cost Amortisation of prior service costs Expected return on plan assets Net Periodic Pension (Credit)/charge Year Ended  December 00 $’000 Year Ended  31 December  2009  $’000   – (90) (0) 182 673 102 (740) 217 The actual return on plan assets amounted to a gain of $2.0 million (2009: gain of $2.20 million). Changes in the net (obligation)/asset of the plan during the period were as follows: Net plan assets at start of year Movement In Year Current service cost Contributions paid Other finance expense, net Amortisation of prior service costs Actuarial loss Foreign exchange rate changes Net plan obligation at end of year Year Ended  December 00 $’000 Year Ended  31 December  2009  $’000 () () 9  – (,09) () (9) 278 (182) 432 66 (102) (619) 14 (113) ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) Changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations of the plan are as follows: Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 Projected benefit obligation at start of year , 10,114 Service cost Interest cost Plan participants’ contributions Actuarial loss Benefits paid Plan amendments Foreign exchange rate changes Projected benefit obligation at end of year    , () – () , 182 673 160 2,079 (774) 103 1,149 13,686 Changes in the fair value of the plans’ assets during the year ended 31 December 2010 were as follows: Fair value of plan assets at start of year Expected return on plan assets Actuarial gain 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  2009  $’000 , 90 ,0 9  () (9) ,99 10,392 740 1,460 432 160 (774) 1,163 13,573 The fair value of plan assets at 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 is analysed as follows: Unit funds  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,99 13,573 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.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 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 2010 of 7.1% (2009: 7.4%) was calculated on the assumption of the following returns for  each asset class: Equities Bonds  December 00 31 December  2009 .% .% 7.6% 5.7% At 31 December 2010, UK gilts were yielding around 4.2% 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. The underlying asset split of the funds at 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 was as follows: Equities Bonds  December 00 31 December  2009 90% 0% 90% 10% Applying the above expected long term rates of return to the asset distribution at 31 December 2010, gives   rise to an expected overall rate of return of scheme assets of approximately 7.1% (2009: 7.4%) per annum. The history of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme is as follows: 31 December  2010  $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 31 December  2008  $’000 31 December  2007  $’000 31 December  2006  $’000 Present value of benefit  obligations Fair value of plan assets Present value of net plan  (obligations)/assets (16,482) 15,499 (13,686) 13,573 (10,114) 10,392 (15,216) 15,470 (17,816) 13,092 (983) (113) 278 254 (4,724) Actuarial gain/(loss) on asset Actuarial (loss)/gain on liability Total actuarial (loss)/gain 1,023 (2,232) (1,209) 1,460 (2,079) (619) (2,923) 1,968 (955) 654 4,722 5,376 639 (1,015) (376) The Group expects to contribute approximately $0.3 million of normal contribution to the defined benefit pension  scheme for the year ended 31 December 2011. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 0. Share Options On 17 January 2003 the Company adopted the Share Option Plan 2003 (“the 2003 Plan”), pursuant to which the  Compensation and Organisation Committee of the Company’s Board of Director’s 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. 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 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 Plan may be settled in cash or shares. 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. 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 2010: Outstanding Available to Grant  December 00 31 December 2009  December 00 31 December 2009 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan 2003 Stock Option Plan 2008 Stock Option Plan Total ,0 ,, 99,9 1,052,592 4,342,630 13,000 ,9, 5,408,222 – 0,9 ,00,0 ,09, – 397,426 5,613,000 6,010,426 The 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan expired on 14 January 2008 and no further options may be granted under this plan. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 0. Share Options (continued) The total number of share options outstanding and exercisable at 31 December 2010 is as follows: Outstanding at 31 December 2008 Granted Exercised Forfeited Outstanding at 31 December 2009 Granted Exercised Forfeited Outstanding at  December 00 Exercisable at  December 00 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price 5,222,263 932,133 (489,370) (256,804) 5,408,222 1,038,327 (1,237,015) (410,857) ,9, ,,00 $17.98 $21.54 $9.03 $26.60 $18.99 $24.34 $10.64 $25.86 $. $. At 31 December 2010, 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 $8.60 $8.88 $10.42 $11.00 $15.47 $15.84 $17.30 $18.00 $18.98 $19.45 $19.94 $20.16 $21.25 $21.76 $22.10 $22.26 $22.60 $23.06 4,000 396,776 230,568 20,000 579,987 900 103,000 24,000 70,000 9,000 33,000 2,000 2,000 754,230 1,000 11,000 662,493 2,000 10,000 0.05 2.15 1.09 3.04 3.09 6.33 6.33 3.64 3.83 5.87 7.82 6.17 7.87 4.13 4.31 6.56 6.15 4.65 7.62 $7.00 $8.60 $8.88 $10.42 $11.00 $15.47 $15.84 $17.30 $18.00 $18.98 $19.45 $19.94 $20.16 $21.25 $21.76 $22.10 $22.26 $22.60 $23.06 4,000 396,776 230,568 20,000 419,563 180 20,600 19,200 50,000 3,600 – 400 – 434,698 600 2,200 128,724 1,200 – $7.00 $8.60 $8.88 $10.42 $11.00 $15.47 $15.84 $17.30 $18.00 $18.98 $19.45 $19.94 $20.16 $21.25 $21.76 $22.10 $22.26 $22.60 $23.06 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 $23.20 $24.25 $24.46 $26.20 $26.27 $27.91 $29.45 $29.38 $35.33 $36.05 $36.20 $41.25 $7.00 -  $41.25 4,000 150,000 743,383 2,400 2,000 2,000 8,000 10,000 951,940 6,000 2,000 1,000 4,798,677 Fair values 7.70 7.18 7.17 7.38 5.81 7.42 7.33 7.34 5.15 5.40 5.33 5.67 4.84 $23.20 $24.25 $24.46 $26.20 $26.27 $27.91 $29.45 $29.38 $35.33 $36.05 $36.20 $41.25 – – 2,000 – 800 – – – 385,694 3,000 800 400 $21.71 2,125,003 $23.20 $24.25 $24.46 $26.20 $26.27 $27.91 $29.45 $29.38 $35.33 $36.05 $36.20 $41.25 $17.88 The overall weighted average fair value of share options granted by the Company during the year ended   31 December 2010 was $9.23 based on the following grants: Number of Shares Weighted Average Share price 816,927 150,000 8,000 10,000 2,400 2,000 10,000 4,000 33,000 2,000 1,038,327 $24.46 $24.25 $29.45 $29.38 $26.20 $27.91 $23.06 $23.20 $19.45 $20.16 $24.34 Grant Date 4-Mar-10 8-Mar-10 29-Apr-10 3-May-10 20-May-10 1-Jun-10 16-Aug-10 13-Sep-10 26-Oct-10 15-Nov-10  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 0. Share Options (continued) 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 weighted average share price of share options granted by the Company during the year ended 31 December  2010 and 2009 was $24.34 and $21.54 respectively. The fair values of options granted during the year ended 31 December 2010 and the year ended 31 December  2009 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  2009 $. $. % – .0%-.% 0% p.a. $21.54 $21.54 45% – 2.3%-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 00% 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. Restricted share units On 7 August 2008 the Company awarded 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. On 16 August 2010 2,512 ordinary shares were issued by the  Company relating to certain of the RSU awards. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 0. Share Options (continued) Non-cash stock compensation expense Operating profit for the year ended 31 December 2010 is stated after charging $7.4 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 non-cash compensation cost . Property, Plant and Equipment Year Ended  December 00 $’000 ,0 , , Year Ended  31 December  2009  $’000 4,455 3,630 8,085 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 2010 3,979 80,309 Additions Disposals Arising on acquisition Foreign currency  adjustment – – – 362 – – 134 (5,160) At  December 00 , , 24,762 2,569 66,022 11,064 (922) (1,048) – – (223) , (1,481) , 54,311 3,973 (398) 107 (1,549) , 21,828 1,905 (16) – (397) ,0 43 251,254 – – – 1 19,873 (2,384) 107 (8,675)  0, Depreciation At 1 January 2010 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal Foreign currency  adjustment At  December 00 – – – – – Net book value At  December 00 , 6,032 7,564 – 10,736 4,047 46,395 10,414 (876) (1,038) 24,861 305 (203) 10,387 3,534 (15) 18 98,429 5 – 25,869 (2,132) (603) 89 (944) (391) (241) (1) (2,091) ,99 ,99 , , ,  0,0 , ,90 9,0 , 9,  0,00 At 31 December 2009 3,979 74,277 14,026 19,627 29,450 11,441 25 152,825 Cost at 31 December 2010 includes $825,000 (31 December 2009: $907,000) relating to computer equipment  held under finance leases. Related accumulated depreciation amounted to $518,000 (31 December 2009: $357,000).  Depreciation expense of $25.8 million (31 December 2009: $22.5 million) has been charged in ‘other operating  expenses’ in the income statement.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 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 2009 3,850 75,562 Additions Disposals Arising on acquisition Foreign currency  adjustment – – – 3,039 – – 129 1,708 At  December 009 ,99 0,09 15,060 9,757 (816) 16 59,863 5,376 (580) 15 745 , 1,348 ,0 53,048 1,983 (2,209) 41 1,448 , 18,582 2,343 (340) 289 954 , Depreciation At 1 January 2009 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal Foreign currency  adjustment At  December 009 – – – – – Net book value At  December 009 ,99 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 ,0 0, ,9 , 0,  9,9 , ,0 9, 9,0 ,  , 106 226,071 – 22,498 (63) (4,008) – – 361 6,332  , 74 75,909 (56) 22,492 – – (2,418) 2,446 At 31 December 2008 3,850 71,815 7,139 22,589 33,878 10,859 32 150,162 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 income statement. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . 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 2009 Additions Disposal Arising on acquisition Prior period acquisition Foreign exchange  movement At 1 January 2010 Additions Disposal Arising on acquisition Prior period acquisition Foreign exchange  movement  December 00 Accumulated amortisation: At 1 January 2009 Amortised in the year Disposal Foreign exchange  movement At 1 January 2010 Amortised in the year Disposal Foreign exchange  movement At  December 00 56,250 11,518 (36) – – 1,014 68,746 11,962 (78) – – (2,840) ,90 35,086 7,441 (19) 774 43,282 5,550 (78) (1,727) ,0 Net book value At  December 00 0, At 31 December 2009 25,464 11,005 1,325 – – 352 240 47 – – – – – – – – – 1,470 183,353 251,933 – – 1,584 (836) 11,518 (36) 1,936 874 – 3,476 4,537 11,644 1,325 1,470 187,577 270,762 – – 770 – (126) , 1,516 2,016 – 49 3,581 1,747 – (134) ,9 ,09 8,063 – – – – – – – – – – – – 3,505 2,539 11,962 (78) 4,275 2,539 (3,752) (6,718) , ,0 9,9 , 190 217 – – 407 217 – – – 493 – – 493 490 – –  9 – – – – – – – – – 36,792 10,167 (19) 823 47,763 8,004 (78) (1,861) , 0 918  9,9 ,9 977 187,577 222,999 Amortisation expense of $8.0 million (31 December 2009: $10.2 million) is included in ‘other operating expenses’   in the income statement.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Intangible assets – goodwill and other (continued) Impairment review of goodwill Two cash generating units for the purpose of the impairment review of goodwill have been identified by the Group  as follows: Goodwill Clinical research Central laboratory 00 $’000 2009  $’000 9,9 187,577 – – 9,9 187,577 An impairment charge of the carrying value of the goodwill of the central laboratory cash generating unit was  recorded in a prior period and the goodwill was fully written down. Accordingly the 2010 impairment review  consisted of a review of the goodwill applicable to the clinical research cash generating unit. It was determined   that an impairment did not exist as at 31 December 2010. The recoverable amount of the clinical research cash  generating unit is based on a value in use computation. This is calculated 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. The following assumptions were used in carrying out the impairment review of the clinical research cash generating  unit for 31 December 2010: Expected revenue growth rate Expected growth rate for costs Expected movement in creditors Expected movement in debtors based on DSO* Discount rate  December 00 31 December  2009 % % % 0 days 0% 7% 5% 8% 45 days 15% * Days sales outstanding (DSO) is a measure of the number of days in the period that the company takes to collect revenue. The key assumptions above 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. The cash flows are discounted using managements current estimate of appropriate risk adjusted pre-tax  discount rates. A sensitivity analysis was performed using a higher discount rate of 15% and a lower revenue growth rate of 3%   to determine if these changes in assumptions would lead to an impairment. The excess of the recoverable amount  over the carrying value of the cash generating unit was maintained using theses changes in assumptons and  therefore, at the year end, it is considered that no reasonable change in assumptions would result in an impairment. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 Timaq Medical Imaging, Qualia Clinical Services Inc. and Veeda Laboratories Ltd. have been accounted for as   business combinations in accordance with the revised IFRS 3. (a) Acquisition of Timaq Medical Imaging On 17 May 2010 the Company acquired Timaq Medical Imaging (“Timaq”), a European provider of advanced  imaging services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, located in Zurich, Switzerland for an initial   cash consideration of CHF 1.3 million ($1.2 million). Certain performance milestones were built into the acquisition  agreement requiring potential additional consideration of up to CHF 2.9 million ($3.1 million) if these milestones   are achieved during the years ended 31 December 2010 to 31 December 2013. On 31 December 2010 CHF  0.3 million ($0.3 million) was paid to the former shareholders in respect of certain milestones for the year ended   31 December 2010. CHF 2.6 million ($2.7 million) has been accrued in relation to the remaining milestones at   31 December 2010. The acquisition of Timaq has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with the revised IFRS 3  Business Combinations. The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities  assumed: Property, plant and equipment Other current assets Current liabilities Goodwill Intangible assets – customer relationships Purchase price Carrying Amount $’000 Fair Value Adjustment $’000 Fair Value $’000 107 160 (719) – – – – – 3,505 770 107 160 (719) 3,505 770 $3,823 Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the provision of advanced  imaging services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers in the European market The proforma effect of the Timaq Medical Imaging acquisition, if completed on 1 January 2009, would have resulted   in net revenue and profit for the fiscal years ended 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2010 as follows: Year Ended  December 00 $’000 Year Ended  December 009 $’000 $900,370 $86,647 $888,929 $96,675 Net revenue Profit for the year  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Business Combinations (continued) (b) Prior Period Acquisitions – 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 Fair Value $’000 361 32 423 (507) (12) – – – – (19) – – 1,584 352 361 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 net revenue and profit for the year ended 31 December 2009 as follows: Net revenue Profit for the year Year Ended  December 009 $’000 $888,048 $92,296 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Business Combinations (continued) (c) Prior Period Acquisitions 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 $11.1 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. On 3 September 2010 $2.2 million was paid to the former shareholders of Healthcare Discoveries Inc. in full  and final settlement of the outstanding consideration payable. The following table summarises the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date   of acquisition as follows: Carrying Amount $’000 Fair Value Adjustment $’000 Fair Value $’000 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 327 5 575 (1,951) – – – – – – – 12,424 1,565 1,325 327 5 575 (1,951) 12,424 1,565 1,325 14,270 $’000 13,295 975 14,270 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. . Other non-current assets Lease deposits Other  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,99 ,0 0,9 5,420 2,417 7,837 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. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Inventories Laboratory inventories  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,9 3,559 The cost of inventories is recognised as an expense and included in other operating expenses in the income statement.  $22.5 million (2009:$ 21.4 million) was charged in the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2010. . Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Less amounts provided for doubtful debts Accounts receivable, net  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,9 (,) ,90 197,133 (5,209) 191,924 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 during the year Balance at end of year  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,09 (,9)  , 7,474 (166) (2,098) 5,209 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 2010 the Group recognised an  impairment provision of $3.3 million (2009: $ 5.2 million). The carrying amounts of the Group’s accounts receivables are denominated in the following currencies: Currency US Dollar Euro Sterling Other Currencies  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 , 9, ,9 ,9 124,659 59,163 5,425 2,677 ,90 191,924 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Other current assets Prepayments Other receivables Total  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,00 ,0 ,00 16,567 8,261 24,828 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  2009  $’000 9, – (9,) – 42,726 24,045 (17,544) 49,227 The Company actively manages its available cash resources to try to ensure optimum returns. During the year  ended 31 December 2010 the Company reinvested its investment portfolio in cash and cash equivalents. The  Company had previously classified its investment portfolio as available for sale. The investments were reported at  fair value, with unrealised gains or losses reported in shareholders’ equity. In the year ended 31 December 2009  and 31 December 2010 no unrealised gains or losses arose. Any differences between the cost and fair value of   the investments are represented by accrued interest. 9. Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand Short term deposits Cash and cash equivalents  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,9 0, ,0 87,528 57,273 144,801  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 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: Personnel related liabilities Facility related liabilities General overhead liabilities Other liabilities Short term government grants Short term finance leases (note 26) Acquisition consideration payable Retirement benefit net plan liabilities Restructuring provisions (note 7) Total . 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  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,0 – , , 1,750 158 2,686 4,594  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,9 , ,0 ,0   , 9  00, 60,441 13,540 34,756 6,233 159 325 – 113 3,396 118,963  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,909 (0) – (0) ,  ,0 , 1,530 (149) 501 27 1,909 159 1,750 1,909 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Bank credit lines and loan facilities On 9 July 2007 the Group entered into a five year committed multi-currency facility agreement for €35 million  ($46.8 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 favor of the bank. Amounts available  to be drawn reduce over the life of this facility in accordance with agreed payment terms. At 31 December 2010  €17.5 million ($23.4 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. On 21 April 2010 the Company reduced this facility to $25 million. On 9 December 2010 the Company  further reduced this facility to $12.5 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by  certain composite guarantees and pledges in favor of the bank. At 31 December 2010 $12.5 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 bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin and was secured by certain composite guarantees,  indemnities and pledges in favor of the bank. On 2 December 2010 the Company terminated this facility. On 29 May 2009 a 364 day committed credit facility of $10 million was negotiated with Citibank Europe. This facility  lapsed during 2010 and was not renewed by the Company. On 29 May 2009 a three year committed credit facility  was also negotiated with Citibank Europe for $10 million. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is  secured by certain composite guarantees and pledges in favor of the bank. At 31 December 2010 $10.0 million  was available to be drawn under the facility. On 29 May 2009 a committed 364 day credit facility of $30 million was negotiated with JP Morgan for $30 million.  On 3 September 2010 a committed 364 day credit facility was negotiated with J.P. Morgan for $10 million, partially  replacing the 2009 facility. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is secured by certain composite  guarantees and pledges in favor of the bank. At 31 December 2010 $10.0 million was available to be drawn under  the facility. . Share capital Group and Company Authorised share capital: Ordinary shares of par value €0.06 No. of Ordinary Shares 100,000,000  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 Allotted, called up and fully paid 60,247,092 (31 December 2009: 59,007,565) ordinary shares of €0.06 each ,0 4,965 Issued, fully paid share capital At beginning of year Employee share options exercised At end of year  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 ,9 9 ,0 4,921 44 4,965 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Share capital (continued) 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 Ordinary Shares. Holders of  Ordinary Shares have no conversion or redemption rights. On a show of hands, every holder of an ordinary share  present in person or proxy at a general meeting of shareholders shall have one vote, with no individual having more  than one vote. During the year ended 31 December 2010 1,237,015 options were exercised by employees for total proceeds of  $13.2 million. During the year ended 31 December 2010 2,512 ordinary shares were issued in respect of certain  RSU’s previously awarded by the Company. During the year ended 31 December 2009 489,370 options were exercised by employees for total proceeds   of $4.4 million. . 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. Share based payment 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 2010 the Group has recognised a cumulative charge for share-based payments   of $43.7 million net of deferred tax (2009: $36.3 million). The Group has also recognised a cumulative credit of  $9.6 million (2009: $10.0 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 $21.8 million (2009: $15.4 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, the date of transition   to IFRS. Retained earnings In addition to the profit for the financial year the Group has also recognised the actuarial loss on the defined   benefit pension scheme in this reserve. In 2010 the Group recognised an actuarial loss of $1.2 million on the  defined benefit pension scheme (31 December 2009: actuarial loss of $0.6 million). The Group has recognised   a credit of €6.4 million during 2010 (2009: $6.3 million) in respect of exercised and expired share based awards   that have been transferred from the Option Reserve. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  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 principle financial risks to  which it is exposed include risks related to the creditworthiness of its customers, risks related to the creditworthiness  of the counterparties with which it invests surplus cash funds, and risks associated with both changes in foreign  currency exchange rates and interest rates. 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, management, standards and procedures, aims to develop a disciplined   and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations. The Audit  Committee of the Board 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 The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises predominately in respect of amounts due from customers for the value   of work performed and counterparties in respect of surplus cash balances invested. Credit risk pertaining to customers is managed by ensuring strict credit procedures are in place, in particular  through evaluation of all new customers and ongoing account monitoring. The Group earns revenues from  contracts with its customers based upon certain activities and performance specifications. Such contracts are  generally either fixed price or units-based. Payment terms usually provide either for payments based on the  achievement of certain identified milestones or units delivered or monthly payments according to a fixed payment  schedule over the life of the contract. Where customers request changes in the scope of a trial or in the services   to be provided, a change order or amendment is issued which may result either in an increase or decrease in the  contract value. The Group also contracts on a “fee-for-service,” or “time and materials” basis, but this accounts   for a small portion of overall project activities. Contract terms may range from several weeks to several years depending on the nature of the work to be  performed. In most cases, a portion of the contract fee, typically 10% to 20%, is paid at the time the study or trial   is started. The balance of the contract fee is generally payable in instalments over the study or trial duration and  may be based on the achievement of certain performance targets or “milestones” or, based on units delivered,   or on a fixed monthly payment schedule. For instance, installment payments may be based on patient enrollment   or delivery of the database. During the course of the study, the Group will generally incur reimbursable expenses.  Reimbursable expenses are typically estimated and budgeted within the contract and invoiced on a monthly basis.  Reimbursable expenses include payments to investigators, travel and accommodation costs and various other  direct costs incurred in the course of the clinical trial which are fully reimbursable by the customer. Most of the Group’s contracts are terminable immediately by the customer with justifiable cause or with 30 to   90 days notice without cause. In the event of termination, the Group is usually entitled to all sums owed for work  performed through the notice of termination and certain costs associated with termination of the study. Termination  or delay in the performance of a contract occurs for various reasons, including, but not limited to, unexpected or  undesired results, production problems resulting in shortages of the drug, adverse patient reactions to the drug, the  customer’s decision to de-emphasise a particular trial or inadequate patient enrollment or investigator recruitment. The Group did not have a significant concentration of credit risk at the balance sheet date. The Group’s top   five customers accounted for approximately 33% and 27% respectively of net revenue during the years ended   31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of net revenue   or accounts receivable during either year.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Financial Instruments (continued) The maximum exposure of credit risk pertaining to customers is the carrying value of accounts receivable and  unbilled revenue balances. The carrying value of accounts receivable and unbilled revenue balances, by geographic  region, at 31 December 2010 was as follows: Europe United States Rest of World Total Accounts Receivable Unbilled Revenue 00 $’000 9, , , 2009  $’000 91,032 99,451 1,441 00 $’000 , , ,9 ,90 191,924 0, 2009  $’000 43,863 46,240 1,977 92,080 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. Liquid and Capital Resources The Group’s liquid and capital resources at 31 December 2010 were as follows: Current asset investments (note 18) Cash and cash equivalents (note 19) Total liquid resources Shareholders Equity  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 – ,0 ,0 49,227 144,801 194,028 , 589,781 The principal operating cash requirements of the Group include payment of salaries, office rents, travel expenditures  and payments to investigators. Other cash requirements include capital expenditures for facilities and information  system enhancements and cash required to fund acquisitions and other growth opportunities. The CRO industry is  generally not capital intensive. The Group primarily finances its operations and growth through cash flows from  operations, together with amounts drawn under negotiated facilities as required. The Group’s primary objectives in managing its liquid and capital resources are as follows: •  •  •  to maintain adequate resources to fund its continued operations, to ensure availability of sufficient resources to sustain future development and growth of the business, to maintain sufficient resources to mitigate risks and unforeseen events which may arise. The Group manages risks associated with liquid and capital resources through ongoing monitoring of actual and  forecast cash balances and by reviewing the existing and future cash requirements of the business. It ensures that  sufficient headroom is available under the Group’s existing negotiated facilities and negotiates additional facilities as  required. The Group currently has a number of negotiated facilities in place, further details of which are set out in  note 22 Bank Credit Lines and Loan Facilities. No amounts remained drawn under these facilities at 31 December  2010 or 31 December 2009. The Group may raise additional finance through the issuance of ordinary shares or  debt as required. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Financial Instruments (continued) 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 (158) (160) (80) Accounts payable Other liabilities  December 009 (12,314) (103,585) (116,057) (12,314) (12,314) (103,585) (99,909) (116,059) (112,303) (80) – – (80) – – (3,676) (3,676) – – – – – – – – 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) Accounts payable Other liabilities (12,123) (121,165) (133,771) (12,123) (12,123) (121,165) (118,479) – – (133,788) (130,772) (170) (160) – (2,686) (2,846) – – – – – – – – Foreign currency risk The Group is subject to a number of foreign currency risks given the global nature of its operations. Operating from  73 offices in 39 locations at 31 December 2010, the principal foreign currency risks to which the business is subject  to includes both foreign currency translation risk and foreign currency transaction 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. The Group is also subject to foreign currency transaction exposures as 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 its foreign currency  exposures and usually negotiates currency fluctuation clauses in its contracts which allow for price negotiation if  certain exchange rate triggers occur.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 l a t o T n o i t c a s n a r T t n e r r u C d e u r c c A x a t r e h t o d n a k s i r 0  0  0 0 0 $ ’ 5 7 8 1 , ) 9 0 2 6 , ( ) 4 1 0 4 1 , ( ) 0 6 5 , 8 1 ( ) 8 0 9 , 6 3 ( 0  0  0 0 0 $ ’ ) 9 5 9 7 8 , ( ) 3 2 0 0 1 , ( ) 2 8 6 7 1 , ( ) 4 3 1 , 4 2 ( ) 8 9 7 9 3 1 , ( 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ – – 8 8 – 8 8 3 7 3 ) 1 6 4 ( 9 3 1 ) 2 3 1 ( ) 1 8 ( y n a p m o c r e t n I l e b a y a p s e i t i l i b a L i l a t o T n o i t c a s n a r T t n e r r u C d e u r c c A x a t r e h t o d n a y n a p m o c r e t n I l e b a y a p s e i t i l i b a L i k s i r 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ 3 3 9 , 3 8 9 9 , 1 7 2 0 , 7 ) 9 5 0 , 3 3 ( 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ ) 2 1 0 , 2 ( ) 3 2 8 , 9 2 ( ) 7 6 1 , 4 3 ( 5 9 5 ) 1 0 1 , 0 2 ( ) 7 0 4 , 5 6 ( 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ 9 0 0  0 0 0 $ ’ – – 5 1 3 4 3 8 5 3 0 5 ) 1 9 3 ( ) 3 3 5 ( ) 8 4 ( ) 2 2 9 ( ) 6 0 5 ( ) 8 8 2 ( ) 8 9 ( ) 5 8 3 ( ) 7 7 2 , 1 ( 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ l e b a y a P s t n u o c c A ) 6 7 7 ( ) 1 6 3 ( 5 1 ) 2 3 3 ( 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ l e b a y a P s t n u o c c A r e h t O t n e r r u C s t e s s A 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ 4 0 2 7 9 3 , 1 8 5 3 , 2 7 1 2 , 1 6 7 1 , 5 r e h t O t n e r r u C s t e s s A 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ 3 9 5 , 3 7 2 1 9 6 7 8 6 9 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ h s a C d n a h s a C l s t n e a v u q E i 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ d e l l i b n U / e u n e v e R s t n e m y a P t n u o c c a n o 0  0  0 0 0 ’ $ s t n u o c c A l e b a v e c e R i 4 5 4 6 0 5 7 8 7 , 2 ) 9 1 5 , 2 ( ) 9 2 4 , 2 ( 7 1 8 , 3 1 9 0 , 4 6 5 1 , 3 1 5 5 0 4 7 , 0 2 1 ) 6 1 8 , 9 4 ( 6 4 6 , 7 1 7 8 4 , 4 2 1 ) 7 4 9 , 0 5 ( 4 4 4 , 5 2 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ h s a C d n a h s a C l s t n e a v u q E i 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ d e l l i b n U / e u n e v e R s t n e m y a P t n u o c c a n o 9 0 0  0 0 0 ’ $ s t n u o c c A l e b a v e c e R i 3 9 6 3 1 3 8 1 4 ) 1 6 6 , 2 ( ) 7 1 2 , 2 ( 8 6 2 , 4 3 0 6 , 6 8 1 4 , 2 3 4 1 , 1 4 0 9 , 2 6 ) 2 5 2 , 3 6 ( 7 3 2 , 1 3 ) 4 5 4 , 1 ( 7 5 4 , 5 8 2 3 , 4 6 ) 2 6 8 , 3 6 ( 1 0 4 , 1 4 r a l l o D . . S U g n i l r e t S o r u E r e h t O l a t o T r a l l o D . . S U g n i l r e t S o r u E r e h t O l a t o T . e s n e p x e g n i t a r e p o r e h t o n i d e d r o c e r e r a s e c n a a b l e v o b a e h t n o i d e s n g o c e r s e s s o l d n a i s n a G : e t a d t e e h s e c n a a b l e h t t a s e i t i l i b a i l d n a s t e s s a l i a c n a n i f o t n o i t a e r l n i k s i r n o i t c a s n a r t s ’ p u o r G e h t t u o s t e s l e b a t i g n w o l l o f e h T ) d e u n i t n o c ( s t n e m u r t s n I l i a c n a n F i .   ) d e u n i t n o c ( s t n e m e t a t S l i a c n a n F i y n a p m o C d n a d e t a d i l o s n o C o t s e t o N ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9                                                                                     Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Financial Instruments (continued) The following significant exchange rates applied during the year: Euro Pound Sterling Average Rate Closing Rate 00 .0 .0 2009 1.39520 1.56763 00 . .99 2009 1.43160 1.61540 A 10% strengthening or weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro and Sterling from the 31 December 2010 rates  based on the underlying currencies per the table on the previous page would have increased or decreased profit  and equity by $1.8 million (31 December 2009 $1.8 million). This analysis assumes that all other variables remain  constant. Interest rate risk The Group is exposed to interest rate risk in respect of its cash and cash equivalents, current asset investments  and amounts drawn under negotiated facilities which are subject to variable rates of interest. As stated previously, the Group’s treasury function actively manages its available cash resources and invests  significant cash balances in various financial instruments to try to ensure optimum returns for the Group’s surplus  cash balances. Financial instruments are classified either as cash and cash equivalents or current asset investments  depending upon the maturity of the related investment. Funds may be invested in the form of floating rate notes  and medium term minimum “A” rated corporate securities. The Group may be subject to interest rate risk in respect  of interest rate changes on amounts invested. The Group manages interest rate risk in respect of these balances by  monitoring the composition of the Group’s investment portfolio on an ongoing basis having regard to current market  interest rates and future trends. In addition to interest rate risk on surplus cash balances invested, the Group may also be subject to interest rate risk  on amounts drawn under negotiated facilities which are subject to variable rates of interest. Details of the Group’s  negotiated facilities are set out in note 22 Bank Credit Lines and Loan Facilities. No amounts remained drawn under  these facilities at 31 December 2010 or 31 December 2009. During the year ended 31 December 2009 the Group  repaid all amounts previously drawn under its negotiated facilities. The Group manages interest rate risk in respect  of amounts drawn under negotiated facilities through ongoing monitoring of actual and forecast cash balances,  reviewing existing and future cash requirements of the business and by reviewing existing levels of borrowings  having regard to current market interest rates and future trends. 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: 00 $’000 , 2009  $’000 752 1% Increase 1% Decrease ,9 – 2,692 – This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant. 00 $’000 – – – 2009  $’000 (3,530) (3,950) (3,110) 90 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Financial Instruments (continued) Fair Values The fair value of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet,   are as follows:  December 00 31 December 2009 Accounts receivable Unbilled revenue Current asset investments Cash and cash equivalents Other receivables Accounts payable Finance lease liabilities Payments on account Other liabilities Carrying Amount $’000 ,90 0, – ,0 ,00 ,09 (,) () (,0) (0,) (0,9) Fair Value $’000 ,90 0, – ,0 ,00 ,09 (,) () (,0) (0,) (0,9) Carrying  Amount  $’000 191,924 92,080 49,227 144,801 24,828 502,860 (12,123) (470) (165,198) (121,178) (298,969) Fair  Value  $’000 191,924 92,080 49,227 144,801 24,828 502,860 (12,123) (470) (165,198) (121,178) (298,969) The carrying values of accounts receivable, less impairment provision, unbilled revenue, other receivables, accounts  payable, payments on account, and other liabilities are assumed to be approximate to their fair values due to the  short term nature of these balances. 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 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. 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: Inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 2: 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. Level 3: Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions   that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Lease commitments The Company has several non-cancellable operating leases, primarily for facilities, that expire over the next 12  years. These leases generally contain renewal options and require the Company to pay all executory costs such   as maintenance and insurance. The Company expensed $46.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2010 and  $45.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2009. 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  2009  $’000 9,0 ,0 0,9 , ,9 ,99 ,0 38,192 31,015 26,009 23,074 20,137 39,285 177,712 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  2009  $’000 0 – – 0 ()  340 160 – 500 (17) 483 The following capital commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment had been authorised   by the Group at 31 December 2010: Contracted for Not-contracted for Total  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 0,90 0,0 0,99 5,604 5,386 10,990 9 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Commitments and contingencies (continued) (b) Guarantees 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 2010 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 (c) Contractual obligations The following represents Group contractual obligations and commercial commitments as at 31 December 2010: Payments due by period Less than  year  to  years - years More than  years $ in millions 0.2 39.5 21.0 60.7 – 64.5 – 64.5 – 44.3 – 44.3 – 35.9 – 35.9 Total 0.2 184.2 21.0 205.4 Finance lease obligations Operating lease commitments Capital commitments Total The Group expects to spend approximately $47.5million 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. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. 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 2010 and 2009 was as follows: Salary and fees Bonus Other benefits Pension contributions Share-based-payment Total Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 ,9    , , 2,326 1,317 1,458 757 867 6,725 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 18 April 2011, Dr. Climax   held 108,000 ordinary share options at exercise prices ranging from $8.88 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 2009 Agreement”). Pursuant to the December 2009  Agreement, Dr. Climax received, having regard to the Dr. Climax Service Agreement (which terminated pursuant   to the December 2009 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 2009 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 €52,706 ($68,063). The payments and contributions set out in this paragraph are  included in the amounts listed for Dr. Climax in the summary compensation table for the year ended 31 December  2009 on page 65. 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. 9 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. Related Parties (continued) The following share options were awarded to directors and executive officers during the years ended 31 December  2010 and 31 December 2009: Name of Director/ Key Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Ciaran Murray Dr. John Climax Dr. Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty Options 2,000 4,000 50,000 150,000 17,000 30,000 50,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 3,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 Exercise price $22.26 $24.46 $15.84 $24.25 $22.26 $24.46 $15.84 $24.46 $22.26 $24.46 $22.26 $24.46 $22.26 $24.46 $15.84 $24.46 $29.45 $19.45 Grant date Expiry date 25 February 2009 25 February 2017 4 March 2010 4 March 2018 30 April 2009 8 March 2010 30 April 2017 8 March 2018 25 February 2009 4 March 2018 25 February 2017 4 March 2018 30 April 2009 4 March 2010 30 April 2017 4 March 2018 25 February 2009 25 February 2017 4 March 2010 4 March 2018 25 February 2009 25 February 2017 4 March 2010 4 March 2018 25 February 2009 25 February 2017 4 March 2010 4 March 2018 30 April 2009 4 March 2010 30 April 2017 4 March 2018 29 April 2010 29 April 2018 26 October 2010 26 October 2018 100,000 of the options granted to Peter Gray on 8 March 2010, will vest between 2011 and 2013. All other options  granted to Directors and executive officers during 2010 will vest between 2011 and 2015. All options granted  during the year end 31 December 2009 options will vest between 2010 and 2014. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. Related Parties (continued) Details of transactions entered into by Directors and Key Executive Officers in shares and share options of the  Company during the year ended 31 December 2010 were are follows: Name of Director/Key Executive Officer No. Options Options Exercised Average Exercise Price Market Price on date of Exercise Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Ciaran Murray Dr. John Climax Dr. Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty Name of Director/ Key Executive Officer Dr. Bruce Given Peter Gray Ciaran Murray Dr. John Climax Dr. Ronan Lambe Thomas Lynch Prof. Dermot Kelleher Dr. Anthony Murphy Declan McKeon Cathrin Petty – 40,000 40,000 20,000 6,000 1,200 – – – – – $7.94 $10.42 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 – – – – – $28.78 $24.25 $20.12 $20.36 $19.87 – – – – Shares Purchased Shares Sold Average purchase price/exercise price No. Shares 500 $24.67 – – – – – – 200 – – – – – – – – $23.87 – – No. Shares – (60,000) (40,000) (1,520,000) (59,900) – – – – – Average Market Price of Shares Sold – $28.78 $24.25 $24.31 $22.25 – – – – – (ii) Other Related Party Transactions Year ended  December 00 With the exception of the consultancy agreement with Rotrua Limited a company controlled by Dr. Climax,   as outlined on page 94, there were no other related party transactions during 2010. 9 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) 9. Related Parties (continued) Year ended  December 009 Mr Edward Roberts previously served as Chairman of Merz GmbH. 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 the Company, 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 the Company 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 time that ICON performed this work Mr. Roberts excused himself from or   did not attend any meeting of either or both of ICON and Merz relating to this work. At no stage was there any  conflict of interest between Mr. Roberts position as director of the Company and his work for Merz. Dr. Bruce Given previously 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.  During the time that ICON performed this work Dr Given excused himself from or did not attend any meeting of  either or both of ICON and Sembiosys relating to this work. At no stage was there any conflict of interest between   Dr Given’s position as director of the Company and his work for Sembiosys. 0. Post Balance Sheet Events On 14 January 2011 the Company acquired approximately 80% of the common stock of Oxford Outcomes Limited,  a leading international health outcomes consultancy business, headquartered in Oxford, United Kingdom, and with  offices in the USA and Canada, for an initial cash consideration of £17.8 million ($27.7 million). Oxford Outcomes  provides specialist services in the areas of patient reported outcomes (PRO), health economics, epidemiology and  translation and linguistic validation. Further consideration of up to £6.5 million ($10.2 million) may become payable  during the period to 31 March 2012 if certain performance milestones are achieved. In addition, the acquisition  agreement also provides for certain working capital targets to be achieved by Oxford Outcomes Limited on completion,  with additional amounts payable by or refundable to the Company based on the achievement of these targets. The Company also holds an option to acquire the remaining common stock of Oxford Outcomes Limited during   the year ended 31 December 2011 for cash consideration of £3.8 million ($5.9 million). Further consideration of   up to £1.5 million ($2.3 million) relating to this remaining common stock of Oxford Outcomes may become payable  during the period to 31 March 2012 if certain performance milestones are achieved. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows: Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Cash and cash equivalents Other current assets Current liabilities Purchase price  January 0 $’000 490 41,462 6,335 6,043 (3,055) 51,275 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Notes to the Company financial statements (a) Property, Plant and Equipment Cost At 1 January 2010 Additions Disposals Foreign currency adjustment At  December 00 Depreciation At 1 January 2010 Charge for year Eliminated on disposals Foreign currency adjustment At  December 00 Net book value At  December 00 At 31 December 2009 Leasehold improvements $’000 Computer equipment $’000 Office furniture & fixtures $’000 528 183 – (29)  142 100 – (7)   386 1,204 203 – (68) ,9 777 251 – (42) 9  427 1,406 287 (12) (75) ,0 438 173 (4) (24)  ,0 968 Total $’000 3,138 673 (12) (172) , 1,357 524 (4) (73) ,0 , 1,781 9 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Notes to the Company financial statements (continued) (a) Property, Plant and Equipment (continued) Leasehold improvements $’000 Computer equipment $’000 Office furniture & fixtures $’000 Cost At 1 January 2009 Additions Disposals Reclassifications Foreign currency adjustment At  December 009 Depreciation At 1 January 2009 Charge for year Eliminated on disposals Reclassifications Foreign currency adjustment At  December 009 Net book value At  December 009 At 31 December 2008 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  9 1,172 Total $’000 2,776 395 (110) – 77 , 849 526 (41) – 23 , , 1,927 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 99 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Notes to the Company financial statements (continued) (b) Intangible assets Computer Software $’000 79 161 2 242 278 (5)  33 25 1 59 98 (3)   183 Cost: At 1 January 2009 Additions Foreign exchange movement At 31 December 2009 Additions Foreign exchange movement At  December 00 Accumulated amortisation: At 1 January 2009 Arising during the year Foreign exchange movement At 31 December 2009 Arising during the year Foreign exchange movement At  December 00 Net book value: At  December 00 At 31 December 2009 00 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 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 $’000 264,534 – 7,144 4,286 275,964 – (6,101) 6,136 (15,220) 260,779 70,906 2,549 – 1,771 75,226 2,518 – – (2,387) 75,357 Total $’000 335,440 2,549 7,144 6,057 351,190 2,518 (6,101) 6,136 (17,607) 336,136 Cost: At 1 January 2009 Imputed interest on long term intercompany loans Share based payments Foreign exchange movement At 31 December 2009 Imputed interest on long term intercompany loans Disposals Share based payments Foreign exchange movement At 31 December 2010 (d) Deferred taxation The net deferred tax asset at 31 December 2010 was as follows: Deferred taxation liabilities: Property, plant and equipment Accrued expenses and payments on account 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  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 (0) () ()   0 ,0 ,0 (42) – (42) 178 71 1,126 1,375 1,333 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 0 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 2010 and year ended 31 December  2009 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 Accrued expenses and payments on account 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 (42) – () 178 71 1,126 , , – – – – – – – – 32 (5)  67 (38) (318) (9) () (10) (5) () 245 33 808 ,0 ,0 Balance  January 009 $’000 Investment in Subsidiary Undertakings $’000 Recognised in Income $’000 Balance  December 009 $’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 , , At 31 December 2010 and 31 December 2009 the Company had no operating loss carry forwards for income tax  purposes and no deferred tax assets that have not been recognised. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 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 and other liabilities Total (g) Payroll and Related Benefits  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000  ,9 ,0 1,180 2,124 3,304  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 , , 9,587 9,587 The aggregate payroll costs of employees of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2010 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  2009  $’000 ,9 ,9 ,0 , ,9 19,912 4,018 1,638 941 26,509 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 Directors and Executive officers at rates ranging from 10% to 15% of  the individual’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 2010 and the year ended 31 December 2009  were $2,045,000 and $1,638,000 respectively. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 0 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 2010 was as follows: Marketing Administration Clinical research processing Total (h) Related Parties Year ended  December 00 Year ended  31 December  2009     2 69 304 375 The Company entered into the following transactions with subsidiary companies during the period: Income Statement: Expenses recharged to subsidiary companies Imputed interest charged to subsidiary companies Total Cash Flow: (Decrease)/increase in intercompany creditor Total Year ended  December 00 $’000 Year ended  31 December  2009  $’000 , , , 17,905 2,549 20,454 (9,0) (9,0) 110,914 110,914 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, and for  information on directors’ remuneration see note 8. (i) Commitments and Contingencies The Company had no commitments or contingencies at 31 December 2010 (2009: $nil). (j) 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. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 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 its obligations 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 009 Carrying Amount $’000 Contractual Cashflows $’000 (168) (8,386) (8,554) (168) (8,386) (8,554)  mths or less $’000 (168) (8,386) (8,554) - 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 Accounts payable Accruals and other liabilities Amounts due to subsidiaries (305) (9,587) (16,406) (26,298) (305) (305) (9,587) (9,587) (16,406) (16,406) (26,298) (26,298) – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 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 2010 and 31 December 2009 the Company had no US dollar denominated  bank loans. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 0 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. At 31 December 2010 the company did not have any borrowings drawn down. 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:  December 00 31 December 2009 Loans to subsidiaries Amounts due by subsidiary undertaking Cash and cash equivalents Other current assets Accounts payable Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings Accruals and other liabilities Carrying Amount $’000 ,  , ,0 ,0 () – (,) (,) Fair Value $’000 ,  , ,0 9, () – (,) (,) Carrying  Amount  $’000 75,226 – 1,031 3,304 79,561 (305) (16,406) (9,587) (26,298) Fair  Value  $’000 75,056 – 1,031 3,304 79,391 (305) (16,406) (9,587) (26,298) The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable, amounts due to  subsidiary undertakings, accounts payable 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 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. 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Subsidiary Undertakings As at 31 December 2010 the Company had the following principal subsidiary undertakings: Name Registered Office Proportion held by group ICON Clinical Research Limited 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. ICON Clinical Research EOOD South County Business Park   Leopardstown Dublin 18 Republic of Ireland 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 4th floor, Saborna Str. 2a, Sredets Municipality Sofia Bulgaria 100%* 100% 100%* 100%* 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 0 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Subsidiary Undertakings (continued) Name 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 ICON Japan K.K. ICON Clinical Research Pte Limited Registered Office Radni ka 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 Plaza Level, AXA Centre 41 Shortland Street Auckland 1010 New Zealand MD Kanda Building 6F-7F Kanda-Mitoshirocho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, 101-0053 Japan Raffles Place, #20-05 Clifford Centre Singapore 048621 Proportion held by group 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%* 100% 100%* 100% 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Subsidiary Undertakings (continued) Name ICON Clinical Research ICON Clinical Research India Private  Limited Registered Office Korea Yuhan Hoesa 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 ICON Clinical Research S.A. ICON Pesquisas Clinicas LTDA 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 ICON Clinical Research Mexico   S.A. de CV Barranca del Muerto 329 3rd Floor Col. San José Insurgentes 03900 México D.F. ICON Chile Limitada ICON Clinical Research Peru SA 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 Proportion held by group 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% ICON Development Solutions Limited Skelton House, 1 100% DOCS Global Inc. Manchester Science Park Lloyd Street North Manchester M15 6SH England 2 Grand Central Tower 140 East 45th Street 10017 NY New York, US 100% ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 09 Notes to Consolidated and Company Financial Statements (continued) . Subsidiary Undertakings (continued) Name DOCS International BV ICON Development Solutions, Inc. ICON Central Laboratories, Inc. Beacon Bioscience, Inc. Healthcare Discoveries Inc Prevalere Life Sciences Inc Icon Medical Imaging AG ICON Clinical Research (Beijing)   Co. Limited ICON Clnical Research Services  Philippines Inc. * held directly Registered Office 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. Zeltweg 46 8032 Zurich Switzerland Floor 5, Tower B Minsheng Financial Center No. 28 JianGuoMenNei Avenue Dong Cheng District Beijing 100005 China Rm28, 28 Floor Regus Center Enterprise Building, Tower 2 6766 Ayala Ave Corner Paseo de Roxas Makati City 1226 Philippines . Approval of financial statements The Board of Directors approved these financial statements on 18 April 2011. Proportion held by group 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Reconciliation between IFRS and US Accounting Principles The financial statements of the Group set out on pages 34 to 110 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 2011. 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 Group 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 Group 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. No such amortisation charge arose in 2010 under US GAAP. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Reconciliation 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. (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.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Reconciliation 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 in Appendix A on pages to 114 to 119 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  2009  $’000 Profit for the financial year attributable to equity holders as stated under IFRS , 92,708 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 , (,0) – 9 8,085 (7,353) 23 836 Net income as stated under U.S. GAAP ,0 94,299 Basic earnings per Ordinary Share under U.S. GAAP Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share under U.S. GAAP $. $. $1.61 $1.57 (ii) Effect on shareholders’ equity  December 00 $’000 31 December  2009  $’000 Shareholders’ equity as stated under IFRS , 589,781 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 (3,526) Shareholders’ equity as stated under U.S. GAAP 9,999 572,246 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Appendix A: Risk Factors Risk Factors Risk Related to Our Business and Operations We depend on a limited number of clients and a loss of or significant decrease in business from them could affect our business. We have in the past and may in the future derive a significant portion of our net revenue from a relatively limited number  of major projects or clients. During the years ended 31 December 2010, 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008  33%, 27% and 29% respectively of our net revenues were derived from our top five clients. No one client contributed  more than 10% of net revenues during the years ended 31 December 2010, 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 have a material  adverse impact on our results of operations. Many of our contracts are long-term fixed-fee contracts. We would lose money in performing these contracts if the costs of performance exceed the fixed fees for these projects and we were unable to negotiate a change order for the value of work performed. Many of our contracts are 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 additional work as necessary. 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 our clients discontinue using our services, or cancel or discontinue projects, our revenue will be adversely affected and we may not receive their business in the future or may not be able to attract new clients. Our clients may discontinue using our 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 our  revenue and profitability. Historically, clients have cancelled or discontinued projects and may in the future cancel their  contracts with us 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 enrollment or investigator recruitment; or n  production problems resulting in shortages of the drug. If we lose clients, we may not be able to attract new ones, and if we lose individual projects, we may not be able   to replace them.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Appendix A: Risk Factors (continued) If we fail to attract or retain qualified staff, our performance may suffer. Our business, future success and ability to expand operations depend upon our ability to attract, hire, train and retain  qualified professional, scientific and technical operating staff. We compete for qualified professionals with other CROs,  temporary staffing agencies and the in-house departments of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device  companies. Although we have not had any difficulty attracting or retaining qualified staff in the past, there is no  guarantee that we will be able to continue to attract a sufficient number of clinical research professionals at an  acceptable cost. Our ability to perform clinical trials is dependant upon our ability to recruit suitable willing investigators and patients. We contract with physicians located in hospitals, clinics or other such sites, who serve as investigators in conducting  clinical trials to test new drugs on their patients. Investigators supervise administration of the study drug to patients  during the course of the clinical trial. The availability of suitable patients for enrolment on studies is dependent upon  many factors including, amongst others, the size of the patient population, the design of the study protocol, eligibility  criteria, the referral practices of physicians, the perceived risks and benefits of the drug under study and the availability   of alternative medication, including medication undergoing separate clinical trial. Insufficient patient enrolment or  investigator recruitment may result in the termination or delay of a study which could have a material adverse impact   on our results of operations. We are highly dependent on information technology. If our systems fail or are unreliable our operations may be adversely impacted. The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology infrastructure and our management  information systems. Our information technology infrastructure includes both third party solutions and applications  designed and maintained internally. Since the Group operates on multiple platforms, the failure of our information  technology infrastructure and/or our management information systems to perform could severely disrupt our business  and adversely affect our results of operation. In addition, our information technology infrastructure and/or our 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 our business and results of operations. We may make acquisitions in the future, which may lead to disruptions to our ongoing business. We have made a number of acquisitions and will continue to review new acquisition opportunities. If we are 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, our ability to: n  assimilate the operations and services or products of the acquired company; n  integrate acquired personnel; n  retain and motivate key employees; n  retain customers; and n  minimise the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns. In the event that the operations of an acquired business do not meet our performance expectations, we may have   to restructure the acquired business or write-off the value of some or all of the assets of the acquired business. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Appendix A: Risk Factors (continued) Our operations might be impacted by a disruption to the air travel system. Many of our operations rely on the availability of air transportation for the distribution of clinical trial materials, study  samples and personnel. A disruption to the air travel system could materially impact our operations. While we have  developed contingency plans to minimise the impact of such events, a disruption to the availability of air transportation  could have a material adverse impact on our activities and results of operations. We rely on our interactive voice response systems to provide accurate information regarding the randomisation of patients and the dosage required for patients enrolled in the trials. We develop and maintain computer run interactive voice response systems to automatically manage the randomisation  of patients in trials, assign the study drug, and adjust the dosage when required for patients enrolled in trials we support.  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. We rely on various control measures to mitigate the risk of a serious adverse event resulting from healthy volunteer Phase I trials. We conduct healthy volunteer Phase I trials including first-into-man trials. Due to the experimental nature of these  studies, serious adverse events may arise. We mitigate 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. We also ensure that a signed contract is in place with the  client in advance of clinical dosing with appropriate indemnifications and insurance coverage. We maintain our own   no-faults clinical trial insurance. Following our internal review and submission, an Independent Ethics committee  approves the study protocol and appropriate approval is obtained from the relevant regulatory body. Risk Related to Our Industry We are dependent on the continued outsourcing of research and development by the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. We are 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 we provide. We are therefore  subject to risks, uncertainties and trends that affect companies in these industries. We have 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 our business. For example,  if these companies expanded upon their in-house clinical or development capabilities, they would be less likely to utilise  our services. In addition, if governmental regulations were changed, it could affect the ability of our clients to operate  profitably, which may lead to a decrease in research spending and therefore this could have a material adverse effect   on our business. Risk Related to Our Financial Results Our quarterly results are dependent upon a number of factors and can fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our results of operations in any quarter can fluctuate depending upon, among other things, the number and scope   of ongoing client projects, the commencement, postponement, variation and cancellation or termination of projects   in a quarter, the mix of revenue, cost overruns, employee hiring and other factors. Our net revenue in any period is  directly related to the number and percentage of employees who were working on projects billable to the client during  that period. We 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. We believe that operating results for any particular quarter   are not necessarily a meaningful indication of future results.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Appendix A: Risk Factors (continued) Our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations. Our contracts with our clients are sometimes denominated in currencies other than the currency in which we incur  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 our results   of operations. This risk is partially mitigated by clauses in certain of our contracts which allow for price renegotiation   with our clients if changes in the relative value of those currencies exceed predetermined tolerances. In addition, we are also subject to translation exposures as our consolidated financial results are presented in U.S.  dollars, while the local results of certain of our subsidiaries are prepared in currencies other than U.S. dollars, including,  amongst others, 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 our consolidated financial results. Our effective tax rate may fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter, which may affect our results of operations. Our quarterly effective tax rate has depended and will continue to depend on the geographic distribution of our revenue  and earnings amongst the multiple tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in the geographic mix of our results  of operations amongst these jurisdictions may have a significant impact on our effective tax rate from quarter to quarter.  In addition, as we operate in multiple tax jurisdictions, we may be subject to audits in certain jurisdictions. These audits  may involve complex issues which could require an extended period of time for resolution. While we believe that  adequate provisions for income taxes have been made in our financial statements, the resolution of audit issues may  lead to differences which could have a significant impact on our effective tax rate. Our backlog may not convert to net revenue and the rate of conversion may slow. Our backlog at any date is not necessarily a meaningful predictor of future results, due to the potential for the  cancellation or delay of projects underlying the backlog. No assurances can be given that we will be able to realise   this backlog as net revenue. A failure to realise backlog as net revenue could have a material adverse impact on our  results of operations. In addition, as the length and complexity of projects underlying our backlog increases, the rate   at which backlog converts to net revenue may be slower than in the past. A significant reduction in the rate at which  backlog converts to net revenue could have a material impact on our results of operations. Risk Related to Political, Legal or Regulatory Environment We 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 our 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, we would   have fewer business opportunities and our revenues could decrease, possibly materially. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010  Appendix A: Risk Factors (continued) 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 us from time to time to ensure  that we comply with their regulations and guidelines, including environmental and health and safety matters. In addition,  we must comply with the applicable regulatory requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials in all countries in  which we operate. If we fail to comply with any of these requirements and/or contractual obligations we could suffer: n  termination of any research; n  disqualification of data; n  denial of the right to conduct business; n  criminal penalties; n  other enforcement actions. n  loss of clients or business. n  litigation from clients other from other parties if clinical trials have not been conducted in accordance with best  practice and/or contractual obligations. In December 2009, we received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding clinical  study management services provided by the company 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 arose from its inspections of the company’s client and selected clinical sites   and follows a similar letter issued to that client. On 13 January 2010 we submitted a response to the FDA and received   a letter from the FDA on 27 September 2010 acknowledging receipt of our response and requesting further clarification  around some details set out in our letter of 13 January 2010. We made a further submission to the FDA on 22  November 2010 addressing matters from the 27 September 2010 letter from the FDA. We remain committed to  working cooperatively and expeditiously with the FDA to address the matters raised in the warning letter. We are   unable to predict at this time the financial consequences, if any, of the issues raised by the letter. We may lose business as a result of changes in the regulatory environment. Various 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 our business. Liability claims brought against us could result in payment of substantial damages to plaintiffs and decrease our profitability. We contract 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 the patients. Although investigators are generally  required by law to maintain their own liability insurance, we could be named in lawsuits and incur expenses arising from  any professional malpractice actions against the investigators with whom we contract. To date, we have not been  subject to any liability claims that are expected to have a material effect on us. Indemnifications provided by our clients against the risk of liability for personal injury to or death of the 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 fulfill their indemnification obligations. Furthermore, we would be liable for our own negligence   and negligence of our employees and such negligence could lead to litigation from clients.  ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 Appendix A: Risk Factors (continued) In addition, we maintain what we believe is an appropriate level of worldwide Professional Liability/Error and Omissions  Insurance. The amount of coverage we maintain depends upon the nature of the trial. We may in the future be unable   to maintain or continue our current insurance coverage on the same or similar terms. If we are liable for a claim that   is beyond the level of insurance coverage, we may be responsible for paying all or part of any award. 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 73 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. Uncertainty of the legal environment in some emerging countries could also 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, or failure to comply with  certain formal documentation requirements or otherwise. Any violation of these laws or allegations of such violations,  whether merited or not, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and could cause the trading price of   our common stock 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. Risk Related to Our Common Stock Volatility in the market price of our common stock could lead to losses by investors. The market price of our common stock has experienced and may experience volatility in the future which could lead to  losses for investors. Factors impacting volatility in the market price of our common stock include, amongst others, our  results of operations, analyst expectations, developments impacting the industry or our competitors and general market  and economic conditions. In addition, stock markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume  fluctuations unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. Future fluctuations in stock markets may  lead to volatility in the market price of our common stock which could lead to losses by investors. ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 9 0 ICON plc and Subsidiaries  Annual Report 2010 ICON AR COVER.indd 7 14/4/11 12:54:00 Corporate Headquarters South County Business Park Leopardstown Dublin 18, Ireland Tel: +353 (1) 291 2000 Fax: +353 (1) 291 2700 www.iconplc.com ICON AR COVER.indd 8 14/4/11 12:54:00 

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