Corporate Overview of Johnson and Johnson

Corporate Overview of Johnson and Johnson (J & J)

According to Moreau, "J&J began with brothers James Wood and Edward Mead Johnson, who formed a partnership in New Brunswick, N.J., in 1885" (32). A couple of months later, both Edward and James were joined by another sibling of theirs -- Robert Wood Johnson. However, it was not until the year 1886 that the company offered for sale some of its first products which included antiseptic dressings (surgical). One year later, the company was incorporated with its first president being Robert Wood Johnson. As the Johnson and Johnson Company website notes, Johnson and Johnson was the first to develop commercial first aid kits (n.d). These kits experienced widespread usage though they were initially meant for railroad workers. The company further continued with its resolve to develop new products with the 1894 release of kits for maternity which were meant to enhance the safety of both the mother and the child during childbirth. Other notable products released in the coming years included but were not limited to women's sanitary protection items, dental floss, adhesive bandages (BAND-AID®) etc. The company has over time expanded through a series of acquisitions to assume its current form.

In regard to the management team, soon after its incorporation, the entity's first president and chairman became Robert Wood Johnson. Two decades later, the chairmanship was taken over by James Wood Johnson who served in that position until 1932 when Robert Wood Johnson II took over. Others who have served as corporate chairpersons of the company include Hofmann, Sellars, Burke and Larsen. The current chairman and C.E.O of the board is William C. Weldon. In regard to the company's corporate location, it is important to note that the same has not changed over the years. Though the company has over time spread its presence across the world, its headquarters remain at New Brunswick.

When it comes to ownership and subsequent changes, it is important to note that originally founded by three brothers as I have already pointed out elsewhere in this text, Johnson and Johnson was originally wholly family owned before it went public in 1944. Currently, the company is listed at NYSE with its ticker symbol being JNJ. Regarding acquisitions and divestitures, Johnson and Johnson has in the past sought to steadily diversify. From producing antiseptic dressings (surgical) in 1886, the company's presence is today being felt in such diverse fields as the manufacturing of medical devices, pharmaceuticals as well as internet publishing. It can also be noted that in seeking to grow, expand as well as diversify further, Johnson and Johnson has also acquired a number of other companies. Some of the acquisitions in this case have enhanced the company's diversification strategy even further. For instance, as Moreau notes, one of the acquisitions Johnson and Johnson made, "McNeil Laboratories, brought drugs into the company" (32). Other notable acquisitions Johnson and Johnson has undertaken in the past include but are not limited to Cordis Corporation, Neutrogena Corporation and Janssen Pharmaceutica amongst others.