Sterling Products

Sterling Drug, originally founded as Sterling Products Inc. in 1901, was a major American pharmaceutical company that became a cornerstone of the global healthcare industry. The company gained significant prominence in 1918 when it acquired the United States assets of the German firm Bayer, including the iconic Aspirin trademark, following World War I. Throughout the 20th century, Sterling expanded its portfolio through its Winthrop Chemical division, developing a wide range of prescription drugs and household consumer brands like Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. In 1988, the company was acquired by Eastman Kodak for $5.1 billion in a strategic move to enter the healthcare sector. Following a period of restructuring, the company's assets were eventually divested in 1994, with the over-the-counter business sold to SmithKline Beecham and the pharmaceutical division acquired by Sanofi.