The US-based Medtronic Inc, one of the world's largest makers of medical equipment, has signed a non-binding letter of intent to buy a 15-percent stake in the Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co.

　　Hong Kong-listed Weigao Group expected to exp lore cooperation with Medtronic in manufacturing, distribution and product development, said Chen Xueli, chairman of Weigao Group, in a statement on the company website.

　　No timetable for the purchase was given.

　　Chen said the deal was consistent with its goal to pursue strategic alliances with international and leading industry players.

　　The Weigao Group was established in Weihai, East China's Shandong Province, in 1988. It is one of the major Chinese manufacturers of medical equipment, with total assets of 1.5 billion yuan (194 million US dollars) and more than 4,500 staff.

　　Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Medtronic Inc is a major medical technology company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It employs more than 30,000 people worldwide, and operates in 120 countries and regions. Its total sales in 2006 were 11.3 billion US dollars.