Our companies begin to take modern form. Nycomed is a world leader in X-ray contrast media, Pharmacia Biotech is a world leader in separations technology - in both cases based on proprietary products of the companies' own research.

Amersham had pursued a different route, acquiring or licensing new ideas which it then developed into commercial, high-technology products. A world leader in radioactive products, the company will gradually refocus on non-radioactive and proprietary products. Amersham International is privatised in 1982.

In 1997, mergers form a new constellation. The parent company, Nycomed Amersham plc, has full ownership of Nycomed Amersham Imaging and is the majority shareholder of Amersham Pharmacia Biotech.