NMD was created on November 1, 1957 as a government agency that functioned as pharmaceutical wholesaler throughout Norway.

In 1992 the company bought Apotekernes Fællesindkjøp, previously owned by the pharmacies and that had imported and wholesaled medical equipment.

In 1995 two competitors entered the market: Apokjeden (owned by Tamro) and Alliance Boots.

Two years later the Storting decided to privatize NMD, and sold 17% to Netherlands-based Apothekers Coöperatie, and the state ownership was transferred from the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services to the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.

At the same time the state decided to not have any ownership in NMD, and sold its part, along with the rest of the owners, to Celesio.