PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. Magazine, the premier publication for small and medium-sized businesses, has released its 22nd annual Inc. 500 ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services (RPS), Inc., the first Pharmaceutical Resource Organization, ranks #72 on the list, with five-year sales growth of 1,882%. RPS ranked #2 of the 24 Inc. 500 companies in the state of Pennsylvania. The Inc. 500 Special Issue appeared on newsstands October 14 and will be on display until January 2004.
The companies that made this list have thrived through continued stagnation in the economy, posting an average five-year sales growth of 1,312%. With aggregate revenue of $14.4 billion, Inc. 500 companies are a formidable market force. And while the United States shed 1.5 million jobs in 2002, Inc. 500 companies - half of which were launched with less than $20,000 - provided employment for 67,973 people.
"The entrepreneurs you'll find on the Inc. 500 have the type of attitude we need to get this economy moving again," said Inc. editor-in-chief John Koten. "For them, a tough market is not an excuse for poor performance, but an opportunity to innovate and rise above the competition."
Daniel Perlman, CEO of RPS, agrees, "Despite unfavorable economic times, we have continued to provide our Clients with cutting-edge solutions for successful drug development. We've been able to flourish by offering integrated and customized solutions that address the current and future concerns of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies as they relate to quality, cost and speed."
To be eligible for this year's Inc. 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2002, have had at least $200,000 in sales in the base year of 1998, and their 2002 sales had to exceed 2001 sales. Inc. verifies all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting interviews with company officials.
About RPS
RPS (ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.), a privately held company, is the first Pharmaceutical Resource Organization (PRO) in the Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology industry. RPS provides innovative and customized solutions to assist companies with the management and execution of their clinical drug programs.
About Inc. Magazine
Inc., the only business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of fast-growing private companies, delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. It provides hands-on tools and market- tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing and technology. Inc. is the premier publication that focuses on small-to-medium size businesses, which are responsible for more than half the nation's gross domestic product and 75% of its new jobs. And Inc. looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Inc., a Gruner + Jahr USA publication, inspires and informs, with cutting-edge coverage that reflects our readers' energy, brashness and imagination.
ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services (RPS), Inc.CONTACT: Daniel M. Perlman, Chief Executive Officer, RPS, Inc.,+1-215-540-0700, dperlman@rpsweb.com; or Media & Marketing Contact: Sean P.Quinn, Director, Corporate Marketing, RPS, Inc., +1-215-540-0700,squinn@rpsweb.com
Web site: http://www.rpsweb.com/
