Raleigh-based INC Research treated a gaggle of its management team to a trip to the Big Apple on Monday for a celebration of going public.

And after CEO Jamie Macdonald rang the Nasdaq’s opening bell, INC shares rallied to a new high.

Shares in the global provider of clinical trial services rose as high as $21.60 before ending the day at $20.67, up 18 cents or 1 percent. INC (Nasdaq: INCR) became the latest in a growing list of Triangle-based companies to go public over the past two years when shares hit the Nasdaq on Friday.

Investors immediately drove up shares some 11 percent after opening at $20.10.

On Monday, Macdonald and crew gathered on the big Nasdaq stage for the bell ringing.

“We were proud to ring today’s opening bell on behalf of our employees, our investors and the drug development community in recognition of this significant milestone,” Macdonald said in a statement.

“INC Research has become an increasingly significant force in the clinical development industry over the past three years, demonstrating tremendous growth in our capacity and capability to deliver the therapeutic expertise and global clinical development services our biopharmaceutical customers require. Our success could not have been achieved without the passion and contributions of our more than 5,000 employees worldwide who are committed to making life-enhancing drugs a reality for patients around the world. We thank them for their efforts and look forward to this next chapter in our growth that will create even greater opportunities for our stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Raleigh-based PRA International, which also is a life science services company, is expected to go public any time this week.

For previous coverage of INC and its quick march to an IPO, read recent WRAL TechWire stories from our archive:

  • INC shares show ‘pop’ on opening day
  • INC spells at IPO details
  • INC files for IPO