Icon, the global clinical research group based in Dublin, has reported a 30 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to $17.9 million (£13.74 million) in the three months to the end of November. The figures bring the group's pre-tax profits for the first half to $34.9 million and indicate a continuing recovery in its fortunes. Income from operations for the three months rose to $1.8 million with sales growth evenly balanced between the US, Europe and South East Asia.

Icon chairman, Mr Ronan Lambe said the group was pleased with its second quarter results which demonstrate further recovery.