About McKesson

McKesson Corporation (MCK) is a large United States-based corporation specializing in the distribution of health care systems, medical supplies and pharmaceutical products. It is a Fortune Global 500 company, the 18th largest company in the United States and the single largest health care company in the world.

Founded in New York City as Olcott & McKesson by Charles Olcott and John McKesson in 1833, the business began as an importer and wholesaler of botanical drugs. A third partner, Daniel Robbins joined the enterprise as it grew, and it was renamed McKesson & Robbins following Olcott's death in 1853.

From the middle of the 20th century, McKesson has derived a continually growing proportion of its income from medical technology rather than pharmaceuticals. This culminated in its purchase of medical information systems firm HBO & Company (HBOC) in 1999; the combined firm was briefly known as McKessonHBOC. Accounting irregularities at HBOC halved the share price and resulted in the dismissal and prosecution of many former HBOC executives, and the firm reassumed its original name in 2001. McKesson Technology Solutions, as the information technology branch of the company is now known, has continued to increase its market share through acquisitions, notably Per Se Technologies, RelayHealth, and Practice Partner.

In addition to its offices throughout North America, McKesson also has international offices in Australia and Europe (Ireland, France, Netherlands and the United Kingdom). It employs 32,000 people globally. Today, McKesson is one of the oldest continually operating businesses in the United States.