Irish clinical trials company Icon is to acquire Chinese firm BeijingWits Medical Consulting. The company, which has full-service clinical development capabilities, will strengthen Icon’s presence in the region. The acquisition will bring more than 100 experienced personnel in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Hong Kong to Icon.

“The acquisition of BeijingWits is a further step in our on-going expansion in China and the greater Asia-Pacific region,” said Icon chief executive Ciaran Murray.

The deal is expected to be completed early next year.

Icon employs 8,350 people in 39 countries, including around 600 at its headquarters in Sandyford, Dublin. In July it acquired Limerick clinical trials company Firecrest Clinical for $24.4 million (€18.2m).