Mr Brian Ennis, founder of Irish Medical Systems (IMS), being acquired by Voyager 2000, will have a 32 per cent interest in the enlarged company, according to the offer document.

This will rise to 46.9 per cent when deferred shares are taken into account. He has a 64 per cent interest in IMS.

The deal is, in effect, a reverse takeover of Voyager which has a listing on AIM in London. Mr Ennis who will be chairman and chief executive of the new board said the £11 million sterling (€17 million) deal was prompted by the need for expansion funds.