PRA International Appoints Shannon as CEO

By Pra International, PRNE
Sunday, December 13, 2009

Bieker Remains on Board of Directors

RALEIGH, North Carolina, December 14 - PRA International, a leading Clinical Research Organization, is pleased
to announce that Colin Shannon, who has served as President and Chief
Operating Officer of PRA since May 2007, has been appointed President, Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Director, effective Jan. 1, 2010.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Colin to this top executive
role," said Chairman of the Board, Melvin D. Booth. "Having worked closely
with Colin for the last two and one-half years, it is clear that he is the
ideal person to lead our Company. This planned transition ensures that PRA
will maintain its momentum in driving 'evidence-based decision making' into
clinical development and its continued focus on building a talent pool of
clinical professionals." Jean-Pierre L. Conte, Chairman and Managing Director
of Genstar Capital, LLC, the principal investor in PRA, further commented,
"Colin has brought to PRA a depth of industry knowledge and a leadership
style that fits well with our culture. We are confident PRA will continue to
flourish under his leadership."

Prior to joining PRA, Mr. Shannon was employed by Pharmaceutical Product
Development, Inc. (PPD) for twelve years in key executive positions, the last
being Executive Vice President, Global Clinical Operations. Before joining
PPD, Mr. Shannon held financial positions with various other companies. He
holds a master's degree in business administration from London's City
University and is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Association of Certified
Accountants.

"I always had a deep respect for the PRA organization and its reputation
within the industry," said Mr. Shannon. "Since joining PRA, the executive
team has focused on developing our current mission and vision. As a result,
my respect for PRA has deepened even more. I am truly impressed with the
quality and commitment of the entire PRA team. Working together, we will
build a global legacy of quality and trust."

"Much of the credit for this well-orchestrated transition goes to Terry
Bieker
," said Mr. Booth. "Three years ago Terry joined PRA, initially as a
Director and Interim CEO, and a few months later as CEO. Thanks to Terry's
leadership, we have aggressively grown our business globally by recruiting
top talent, executing an innovative strategy, providing visionary leadership
and committing to excellent service to our clients and respect for our
employees." Mr. Conte added, "Terry is someone we know well as Genstar worked
with him in a previous successful investment. We are very pleased with his
leadership and the growth initiatives implemented under his tenure and, while
we will miss him, we look forward to his continued counsel as a member of the
PRA Board of Directors. "

"It has been an honor to serve as CEO," said Mr. Bieker. "I have enjoyed
working with the many dedicated, professional people at PRA and I look
forward to remaining an active board member. Retiring was a difficult choice
to make, but I feel confident in knowing that Colin will be at the helm and
will continue to lead PRA along the road to success."

About PRA International

PRA performs studies in all therapeutic areas, with specialization in
oncology, neurosciences, respiratory/allergy, cardiovascular and infectious
diseases. PRA has supported over 2,100 clinical trials through its 36 global
offices. PRA's therapeutic expertise, global reach and project experience,
combined with extensive local knowledge and its differentiating PERSONAL
ELEMENT enable its project teams to deliver consistent and on-time
performance for clients.

This unique PRA philosophy-THE PERSONAL ELEMENT-recognizes that true
client service comes only from trained, empowered and dedicated employees who
are encouraged to use innovation and their personal commitment to accelerate
the development life cycle. To learn more about PRA International, please
visit www.PRAinternational.com, email Endpoints@PRAintl.com or call our
Global Headquarters at +1-919-786-8200.

Roger Boutin, Director of Marketing of PRA International, Inc., +1-434-951-3924

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