IMD was floated on AIM on 10 November 2004, with the purpose of acquiring companies or businesses, or interests in companies or businesses, operating in the health and medical devices sector which have the prospect of delivering high returns and significant capital growth.

In July 2005 IMD entered into agreements with two Australian companies, Eastland Medical Systems (EMS) and Eastland Technology Australia (ETA) to acquire respectively the absolute rights to certain IP and exclusive rights for distribution with regard to safe needles and a significant range of other products.

In order to exploit these IP and distribution rights, IMD has now acquired five distribution companies which have access to the key sectors and NHS hospitals which are the target customer markets.

IMD's strategy is to :

• Exploit the IP and distribution rights through its growing network of distribution.
• Grow the distribution base of the group in order to exploit existing and new high margin product ranges.
• Identify niche product sources to complement both the distribution capacity and the group's product portfolio.
• Procure specialist distribution capability through the acquisition of a number of qualified companies.

IMD's business implementation plans are focused on achieving three key objectives:

1.   To establish and grow niche, technically orientated, medical device distribution capability in the UK across four target market sectors:

• Acute Care
• Aged Care
• Devices Devision

2.  To establish channels to market for the acquired product portfolio from ETA and EMS by acquiring established medical device distribution companies.

3.  To continue to develop and exploit the IP and technology for 'safe' needles, with the objective of launching the "Safety Needle" product across key target markets.

IMD is rapidly developing expertise in Cardiovasculer, Aged Care, Consumables and Acute Care through its acquisitions of Response, Meddis, EMS Medical, ProCare and Minster Medical and will focus on those sectors in the UK to the exclusion of all others.

IMD will launch Surety, using its distribution power to the UK market. Each targetted sector is a significant user of needles and there is great interest in the NHS to acquire such products.

The supply chain for the distribution of medical devices is fragmented in nature, therefore there is a major opportunity to continue to build a consolidated business through acquisition, organic growth and the exploitation of the IP and distribution rights. IMD will also appoint distributors in Europe and North America for its patented portfolio of needles and other products.