EXHIBIT 1 JOINT FILING AGREEMENT Each of the undersigned (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Reporting Persons") hereby agrees to file jointly a Schedule 13D and any amendments thereto relating to the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share,...

                                                                   EXHIBIT 1

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

                    Each of the undersigned (hereinafter collectively
          referred to as the "Reporting Persons") hereby agrees to
          file jointly a Schedule 13D and any amendments thereto
          relating to the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
          Quintiles Transnational Corp., a North Carolina corporation,
          as permitted by Rule 13d-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of
          1934, as amended.  Each of the Reporting Persons agrees that
          the information set forth in such Schedule 13D any
          amendments thereto with respect to such person will be true,
          complete and correct as of the date of such Schedule 13D or
          such amendment to the best of such Reporting Person's
          knowledge and belief after reasonable inquiry.  Each of the
          Reporting Persons makes no representation as to the accuracy
          or adequacy of the information set forth in such Schedule
          13D and any amendments thereto with respect to any other
          Reporting Person.  Each of the reporting Persons shall
          promptly notify the other Reporting Persons is any of the
          information set forth in such Schedule 13D shall be or
          become inaccurate in any material respect or if he or it
          learns of information which would require an amendment to
          such Schedule 13D.

                    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set
          forth their hand as of the 6th day of December, 1996.

                                             HSBC Private Equity
                                               Investments Limited

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. X'Xxxxx
                                                Title: Finance Director

                                             HSBC Equity Limited

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. X'Xxxxx
                                                Title: Finance Director

                                             HSBC Private Equity Europe
                                               Limited

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. X'Xxxxx
                                                Title: Finance Director

                                             HSBC Investment Bank Plc

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx 
                                                Title: Company Secretary


                                             HSBC Investment Bank Holdings
                                              Plc

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx 
                                                Title: Company Secretary

                                             HSBC Holdings Plc

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx 
                                                Title: Company Secretary


                                             Lloyds Development Capital
                                               Limited

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 
                                                Title: Director

                                             MSS Nominees Limited

                                             By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx    
                                                Title: Company Secretary

                                             General Accident Executor
                                               and Trustee Company Limited

                                             By: /s/ X.X. Xxxxxxxx   
                                                Title: Group Secretary