Who Owns McKesson Medical-Surgical?
McKesson Medical-Surgical is owned by McKesson Corporation, a publicly traded American healthcare company headquartered in Irving, Texas. McKesson Medical-Surgical operates as a wholly-owned division of McKesson, providing comprehensive medical supplies and equipment distribution to healthcare providers across North America since 1987.
Parent Company
McKesson Corporation
Founded
1987
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Who Owns McKesson Medical-Surgical?
- Parent Company: McKesson Corporation
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: MCK
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| McKesson Medical-Surgical | McKesson Corporation | Wholly owned |
History of McKesson Medical-Surgical
- Founded: 1987
- Founders: McKesson Corporation (internal development)
McKesson Medical-Surgical was established in 1987 as McKesson's dedicated medical supplies and equipment distribution division. The division was created to serve the growing demand for comprehensive medical-surgical supplies from healthcare providers including physician offices, surgery centers, hospitals, and home health agencies.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, McKesson Medical-Surgical expanded its product portfolio and geographic reach, becoming one of the largest medical supplies distributors in North America. The division developed specialized expertise in serving different healthcare provider types with tailored product offerings and services.
In 2015, McKesson Medical-Surgical opened its new headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, consolidating operations and expanding its distribution capabilities. This facility expansion reflected the division's growth and commitment to serving healthcare providers more efficiently.
In recent years, McKesson Medical-Surgical has focused on digital transformation and supply chain optimization. The division launched advanced online ordering platforms enabling healthcare providers to efficiently manage medical supply procurement and inventory.
About McKesson Corporation
What does McKesson do?
McKesson distributes pharmaceutical products, including brand-name drugs, generic drugs, and specialty medications, to pharmacies, hospitals, physician offices, and other healthcare providers across the United States and Canada. The company also operates the US Oncology Network, distributes medical-surgical supplies, and provides technology solutions to biopharma manufacturers through its Prescription Technology Solutions segment.
Is McKesson publicly traded?
Yes, McKesson Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol MCK. The company has no controlling shareholder, with ownership distributed among institutional investors including Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
What is McKesson's annual revenue?
In fiscal year 2024 (ended March 31, 2024), McKesson reported revenue of approximately $308.9 billion, a 10% increase from the prior fiscal year. The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment accounted for approximately $275 billion of total revenue.
Who is McKesson's CEO?
Brian Tyler has served as Chief Executive Officer of McKesson since April 2019, succeeding John Hammergren. Tyler has led the company's strategic focus on oncology and biopharma services as higher-growth businesses within the healthcare distribution ecosystem.
When was McKesson founded?
McKesson was founded in 1833 by John McKesson and Charles Olcott in New York City as Olcott & McKesson, making it one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the United States.
What is McKesson's role in the opioid settlement?
McKesson, along with Cencora and Cardinal Health, reached a $21 billion settlement with U.S. states and local governments in 2022 to resolve claims that the three distributors failed to adequately monitor suspicious opioid orders. McKesson's share of the settlement is approximately $7.9 billion, to be paid over 18 years.
- Founded: 1833
- Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: MCK
- Revenue: approximately $354 billion (FY2025, year ended March 2025)
- Employees: Approximately 51,000
Where Is McKesson Medical-Surgical Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada
McKesson Medical-Surgical Sustainability & Ethics
McKesson Medical-Surgical operates under McKesson Corporation's comprehensive environmental sustainability framework, which includes ambitious climate action initiatives and green building standards. As part of McKesson's commitment to creating solutions for a healthier environment, the division implements sustainable practices across its distribution and supply chain operations.
McKesson has introduced Green Building Standards (GBS), a customized framework that delivers measurable environmental benefits across the company's global portfolio. In fiscal year 2025, nine McKesson facilities achieved GBS certification, with ongoing assessments to ensure facilities meet rigorous environmental standards that combine energy efficiency, flexibility, and occupant wellness.
The company has made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain, achieving the goal of having 70% of suppliers by spending set SBTi-approved GHG reduction targets. These climate targets align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, positioning McKesson among more than 10,000 companies worldwide committed to reducing GHG emissions.
McKesson Medical-Surgical benefits from the company's investments in renewable energy through Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs). In fiscal 2025, McKesson invested in a new VPPA with Recurrent Energy's 100-MWac/134-MWdc Liberty Solar plant in Liberty County, Texas, which generates enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 homes annually and reduces carbon emissions by 182,000 metric tons.
For cold chain product transportation, McKesson has implemented a reusable system that reduces waste while maintaining product quality and safety. This system includes reusable outer shells, inner linings, and phase change materials designed to maintain 2-8 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. The company has also piloted electric vehicles and implemented advanced routing software to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease carbon emissions across its transportation fleet.
Awards & Recognition
McKesson Corporation has received multiple awards and recognitions for its business performance and corporate responsibility initiatives. In fiscal 2024, McKesson reported strong financial results with consolidated revenues of $309.0 billion, demonstrating the company's position as a leader in healthcare distribution and services.
While specific awards for McKesson Medical-Surgical division are not publicly disclosed, the parent company has been recognized for its sustainability achievements, including its SBTi-approved climate targets and green building initiatives. McKesson's environmental programs have been acknowledged for their innovation in healthcare supply chain sustainability.
The company's leadership in healthcare distribution has been recognized through various industry acknowledgments, particularly for its role in advancing health equity and supporting healthcare access in underserved communities. McKesson launched pilot initiatives aimed at advancing health equity, with Avondale, Ohio selected as the first activation site to support access to essential pharmacy services.
McKesson's financial performance and operational excellence have positioned the company as one of the largest healthcare distributors globally, with recognition for its ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for customers, partners, patients, and communities.
McKesson Medical-Surgical Recalls & Controversies
McKesson Corporation, the parent company of McKesson Medical-Surgical, has faced several legal challenges and controversies in recent years, primarily related to opioid distribution and pricing practices.
In August 2024, McKesson along with Cencora Inc. and Cardinal Health Inc. agreed to a $300 million class action settlement resolving allegations from health insurers and benefit plans regarding the distributors' role in the opioid epidemic. The settlement, disclosed in federal court in Cleveland, Ohio, covered third-party payers like union funds that paid for overprescribed opioids and subsequent addiction treatment. The distributors did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Earlier, McKesson agreed to pay a record $150 million settlement to resolve allegations of failing to report suspicious orders of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey announced the settlement, emphasizing that pharmaceutical companies serve as the first line of defense in prescription opioid abuse prevention.
In March 2024, a federal appeals court revived a whistleblower lawsuit accusing McKesson of providing drug pricing tools to doctors for free to induce them to purchase drugs from the company. The 3-0 decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the kickback lawsuit to proceed, raising questions about the company's marketing and sales practices.
Additionally, McKesson reached a $141 million settlement resolving allegations it misled investors about profits from a price-fixing conspiracy among generic drug manufacturers. The settlement, to be paid by the company's insurers, was disclosed in an SEC filing and addressed investor concerns about the company's involvement in generic drug pricing controversies.
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McKesson Medical-Surgical Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Access to McKesson's extensive distribution network and supply chain infrastructure
- +Comprehensive product selection including national brands and McKesson exclusive products
- +Advanced online ordering platform for efficient procurement
- +Competitive pricing through McKesson's purchasing power and scale
- +Reliable delivery and customer service support
- +Specialized expertise in serving different healthcare provider types
Considerations
- -Dependency on McKesson's supply chain and corporate policies
- -Competition from other large medical supply distributors
- -Healthcare provider consolidation affecting customer base
- -Regulatory compliance requirements for medical device distribution
- -Pressure on margins from healthcare cost containment efforts
- -Limited flexibility in certain operational decisions due to corporate structure
Frequently Asked Questions About McKesson Medical-Surgical
Sources & Further Reading
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to McKesson Medical-Surgical
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takeda | Japan | 2011 | Mass market | Global | All-ages | |
| Novartis | Switzerland | 2009 | Mass market | Global | All-ages | |
| Cardinal Health | USA | 2014 | Mass market | United states | All-ages | |
| Cardinal Health | USA | 2010 | Mass market | United states | All-ages | |
| Cvs Health | USA | 1982 | Mass market | United states | All-ages | |
| Merck | USA | 2014 | Premium | Global | All-ages |
Learn More About Competitors

Adcetris
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Prescription antibody-drug conjugate for treating Hodgkin lymphoma and other CD30-positive lymphomas, manufactured and marketed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

Afinitor
Owned by Novartis
Prescription oncology medication for treating various cancers including renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer, manufactured and marketed by Novartis.

Cardinal Health At-Home
Owned by Cardinal Health
At-home healthcare solutions provider delivering medical supplies, equipment, and pharmacy services directly to patients' homes owned by Cardinal Health.

Cardinal Health Specialty Pharmacy
Owned by Cardinal Health
Specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services provider serving specialty pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers with complex medications owned by Cardinal Health.

Coram
Owned by CVS Health
American specialty pharmacy and infusion services provider offering home and alternate site care, owned by CVS Health.

Keytruda
Owned by Merck & Co.
Prescription immunotherapy medication for treating various cancers by activating the immune system, manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: McKesson Medical-Surgical competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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