Warner–Lambert

Warner–Lambert was an American pharmaceutical company, founded in 1856 by William R. Warner. It merged with Pfizer in 2000 in a deal valued at $90.2 billion, one of the largest mergers in the pharmaceutical industry. Warner–Lambert was known for manufacturing over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and confectionery.

History

The origins of Warner–Lambert trace back to 1856 when William R. Warner, a pharmacist in Philadelphia, started his own drug store. Warner was an innovator in the field, inventing a process to coat pills in sugar to make them easier to swallow. This innovation laid the groundwork for the company's future success in the pharmaceutical industry.

Throughout the 20th century, Warner–Lambert expanded through a series of acquisitions. In 1955, it acquired American Chicle Company, marking its entry into the confectionery business. The company continued to grow its pharmaceutical and consumer health product lines, acquiring Parke-Davis in 1970, which at the time was the oldest and one of the largest drug manufacturers in the United States.

Products

Warner–Lambert was responsible for the development and marketing of several well-known products. Among its pharmaceutical products was Lipitor (atorvastatin), a cholesterol-lowering medication that became the world's best-selling drug. Other notable products included Listerine, a widely used antiseptic mouthwash, and Neosporin, an antibiotic ointment.

Merger with Pfizer

In 2000, Warner–Lambert agreed to merge with Pfizer, creating the world's largest pharmaceutical company. The merger was initially contested by Warner–Lambert, which had sought a merger with American Home Products (now known as Wyeth). However, Pfizer ultimately prevailed in a bidding war. The merger was notable not only for its size but also for bringing together two companies with complementary product lines.

Legacy

The merger of Warner–Lambert with Pfizer marked the end of the Warner–Lambert name, but its legacy lives on through its products and contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. The company's history of innovation and expansion set the stage for the development of medications that have had a significant impact on public health.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry
• List of pharmaceutical companies