v3.26.3
Intangible assets
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2026
Intangible Asset, Goodwill and Other [Abstract]  
Intangible assets Intangible assets
The carrying amount of intangible assets as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025 is as follows:

September 30,
2026		December 31,
2025
(in thousands)
Cost
Customer relationships$4,114,252 $4,134,478 
Order backlog544,514 546,054 
Trade names & brands189,686 204,721 
Patient database2,463 170,511 
Technology assets116,466 151,754 
Total cost4,967,381 5,207,518 
Accumulated amortization(1,867,115)(1,873,663)
Impairment— (86,737)
 Net book value$3,100,266 $3,247,118 

In the three months ended September 30, 2026, the amortization expense recognized by the Company was $46.2 million (three months ended September 30, 2025: $58.7 million).

In the nine months ended September 30, 2026, the amortization expense recognized by the Company was $146.6 million (nine months ended September 30, 2025: $176.7 million and year ended December 31, 2025: $227.2 million).
There were no additions to intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2026.