ICON plc (ICON) is a contract research organization (CRO), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. The Company specializes in the development, management, and analysis of programs that support clinical development, from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company operated 71 locations in 38 countries providing Phase I-IV clinical trial management, drug development support services, data management and biostatistics, and central laboratory and imaging services. During 2008, ICON commenced operations in Edinburgh, Scotland; Bogota, Colombia, and New Dehli, India. On December 31, 2008, the Company acquired remaining 30% interest in Beacon Bioscience Inc. In April 2009, the Company acquired Qualia Clinical Services, a Phase I facility based in Omaha, Nebraska. In July 2009, ICON acquired Veeda Laboratories Ltd.