Over the past 12 months, the clinical research outsourcing (CRO) industry has taken its next decisive steps in the evolution of a business making its mark in drug development. The IPO of the largest player in the market and the merger of two competitor companies are just two of the brushstrokes that have made up the CRO portrait to date.
As it continues to develop, the CRO industry is becoming tighter than ever as its players nurture their competitive prowess and global reach. However, innovative thinking, diversification, and a cash injection could serve to transform this industry’s blurred lines into competitive differentials that could, in time, create a masterpiece.
Table of Contents
4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
5 CRO LEAGUE TABLES
6 A closer look
13 M&A IN THE CRO SPACE
13 It is a global business
14 The omnipresence of private equity
17 The continued rise of outsourcing
List of Figures
7 Figure 1: Quintiles’ five-year financials, 2008–12
List of Tables
5 Table 1: CRO players ranked by revenue
7 Table 2: Quintiles financials, 2008–12
9 Table 3: Covance financials, 2008–12
10 Table 4: Parexel financials, 2008–12
11 Table 5: ICON financials, 2008–12
15 Table 6: Clinical outsourcing M&A activity, June 2012 to June 2013

Figure 1: Quintiles’ five-year financials, 2008–12