History
AEA International was founded in 1985 by Pascal Rey-Herme and Arnaud Vaissié. The organisation focused specifically on providing medical assistance services to multinational companies operating in Asia Pacific. Over the following decade, the company grew from its base in Singapore and Indonesia into a pan-Asian corporation, creating operating companies in Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and mainland China. In 1995, AEA International launched subsidiaries in France and the USA. In 1998, AEA International acquired International SOS Assistance, creating the largest medical assistance company in the world. For a while, it was known as AEA International SOS. The organisation was renamed International SOS in 1999.
In July 2008, International SOS launched a "strategic alliance" with Control Risks, to offer combined medical and security services.
In October 2008, International SOS acquired MedAire, a provider of remote medical services for aviation and maritime.
On November 12, 2009, International SOS announced it had acquired a majority stake in Abermed, the UK-based provider of occupational health and remote medical services to the energy sector, including specialised services such as hyperbaric medicine, UK-trained rig medics and occupational health services.
On October 12, 2010, International SOS announced a strategic alliance with RMSI, a specialist in the provision of medical services for hostile environments. RMSI operates in extreme risk environments including Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and Pakistan.
On January 11, 2011, International SOS announced its merger with VIPdesk, the North American provider of concierge services, customer care and loyalty programs. Under the terms of the deal, VIPdesk continues to operate as the US-based, wholly owned subsidiary of International SOS, under the leadership of its founders and management.
On January 25, 2011, International SOS acquired SMI (Service Médical International), the France-based manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies to the aviation, maritime, and oil industries as well as to various NGOs and international organisations.
Read more about this topic: International SOS
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