Medical devices group Smith & Nephew is celebrating 150 years in business. Established in 1856 the group now employs 8,000 people and has operations in 33 countries with annual sales of £1.4 billion.

Half of sales are generated in the US, with 33% in Europe and 10% in the UK.

The company currently operates in three areas:

Orthopaedics
This division, which manufactures knee joints, braces and other supports, accounts for almost half the company's annual revenues and is currently growing at 17% pa, twice the rate of the other divisions.

Endoscopy
With a 30% market share, this division supplies complete endoscopy suites as well as specialised monitoring and treatment products including high resolution cameras, repair kits, radiofrequency treatments and a unique procedure for varicose vein removal.

Wound Management
The division's advanced wound management products include hydrocellular and antimicrobial dressings and a specialised fluid jet instrument to remove contaminated, dead and decaying tissue from wounds. The company has around a 20% share of this market.