Axis-Shield was created in May 1999 by the merger of two healthcare diagnostics companies - Norwegian-based Axis Biochemicals, founded in 1985 and UK-based Shield Diagnostics, founded in 1982. The business was augmented in November 1999 by the acquisition of Norwegian distribution company Medinor ASA. Further strategic growth was achieved by the acquisition of the diagnostics business of Nycomed Pharma in February 2000, which has given the group a focus in Point-of-Care (PoC) testing as well as direct distribution in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Axis-Shield is focused in in-vitro diagnostic business.