Dublin-based medical outsourcing provider Icon recorded an 18 per cent rise in net revenue to $1.12 billion (€839 million) and a record $1.6 billion in new business in 2012.

Icon completed its acquisition of the clinical trial service division of Cross County Healthcare earlier this month, which will be combined with its DOCS group to create a global resourcing group.

It also reported earnings per share of $1.00 before non-recurring charges, up from $0.52 in 2011.

Icon chief executive officer Ciaran Murray said, "In 2012 we saw the validation of our investment strategy as we won a record $1.6 billion of new business and reported milestone revenue of $1.12 billion and earnings per share of $1.00.

"Backlog grew 20% to $2.8 billion, which along with continuing investment in capabilities, talent and innovation in drug development, provides a solid foundation for further growth in 2013."