1871–1907
The beginnings of something big
In 1871, Lucien Napoleon Brunswig becomes an apprentice to a U.S. druggist. This begins his journey to becoming a leader in the drug wholesale market. In 1882, Brunswig partners with Wheelock-Finlay, a well-established wholesale drug company. After Finlay’s passing, Brunswig takes on a partner, F. W. Braun in 1887. In 1907, Brunswig buys out Braun, renaming the business The Brunswig Drug Company. After relocating headquarters to Vernon, Calif., the company focuses exclusively on wholesale drug distribution.

1922
Post-World War I

1947
Brunswig becomes the first wholesale drug company in the United States to introduce computerized punch cards for keeping track of inventory.
1947
The origins of Bergen Drug Company
1957
The space race begins
1959
Entering the computer age

1965
Lyndon B. Johnson signs Medicaid/Medicare into law.
1969
Bergen Drug Company buys Brunswig Drug Company and renames the company Bergen Brunswig Corporation.
1971
Embracing innovation
Bergen Brunswig revolutionizes the industry by pioneering the electronic transmission of purchase orders, reducing distribution time to 24 hours.
1977
Alco Standard enters distribution
Alco Standard Corporation purchases The Drug House, a major wholesaler operating in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
1978
Good Neighbor Pharmacy founded to help grow community pharmacies

1979
Alco Standard makes many acquisitions, and Kauffman-Lattimer of Columbus, Ohio, becomes a part of the mix to expand distribution reach.
1980s
HIV/AIDS crisis begins
1993–1994
An “intrapreneurial” venture

1994
Alco Health Services changes name to AmeriSource Health Corporation.
1994
Electronic ordering developed with Apple Computer
1996–1998
Expansion into the growing specialty pharmaceuticals market

2001
AmeriSource Health Corporation and Bergen Brunswig Corporation announce the two companies have agreed to combine. Together, the two companies become AmerisourceBergen.
2003–2009
Ongoing growth in specialty—both in the U.S. and Canada

2010
Affordable Care Act enacted
2012
Going global
2013
A landmark agreement with Walgreens Boots Alliance

2015
A big move into animal health

2015