Tom Hamilton founded the pioneering Worldwide Magazine Distribution company in the mid-1970-80's. Primarily a merchandising operation, it also distributed computer magazines to specialist computer and gaming stores. A strong market position was soon developed as the company expanded quickly in line with the increasing interest in IT, gaming and music magazines. In 1998, the UK's three major wholesalers, WH Smith, John Menzies, and Surridge Dawson, formed a joint venture company 'FMD' and saw the opportunity to distribute magazines to niche outlets.

On the 15th of October 1999, FMD acquired Worldwide Magazine Distribution. It was at this point the independent wholesalers were invited to become partners in WWMD and today it has become one of the UK's most innovative, forward-looking distribution company. In June 2001, WWMD relocated to larger, 22,500sqft premises in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham.