Nycomed Amersham was formed in 1997 from a three way merger; first, of Amersham Life Sciences, a division of Amersham International plc, and Pharmacia Biotech, a division of Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc to form Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. Two months later, Amersham International plc merged with the Norwegian based Nycomed ASA, forming Nycomed Amersham plc. There followed a period of hectic corporate restructuring, with the divestment of non core activities and consolidation of operational facilities.

The company now operates with two principal divisions - Nycomed Amersham Imaging and our life sciences business, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. We are the only company which combines skills in understanding genetic predisposition to disease, with skills in screening for the onset of disease. Vision links all that we do. We provide a vision of the human body at every level, from genes to proteins, to cells, organs and tissues.

The company's headquarters are in the United Kingdom and we are listed on the London, Oslo, Copenhagen and New York stock exchanges. Sales in 1999 were £1.3 billion (approximately $2.1 billion). The company's global operations embrace research and development and manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America, China and Japan (through a joint venture). There is also an extensive sales and distribution network in Europe, the Middle and Far East, Australasia, Pacific Rim and Americas. Altogether the company employs over 8,500 people.