Distillers

The Distillers Company, historically a major Scotch whisky producer, expanded significantly into the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors during the mid-20th century. Through its subsidiary, Distillers Company (Biochemicals) Limited, it became one of the first large-scale manufacturers of penicillin in Europe and a prominent supplier of antibiotics. The company is most notably associated with the distribution of thalidomide (under the brand name Distaval) in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Following the thalidomide tragedy and subsequent litigation, the company's pharmaceutical interests were largely divested or absorbed. In 1986, The Distillers Company was acquired by Guinness, eventually becoming part of the global spirits giant Diageo.