Overview
Danaher Corporation is an American technology company founded in 1984 by brothers Steven M. Rales and Mitchell P. Rales. The company began as a diversified industrial holding company and grew through a series of acquisitions across manufacturing, instrumentation, environmental technology, healthcare, and life sciences markets.
Within the electronics and communications industries, Danaher became known for acquiring numerous test and measurement companies, including Fluke Corporation, Tektronix, and Amprobe. Through these acquisitions, Danaher became one of the largest owners of electronic test equipment brands in the world.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Danaher Corporation |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founders | Steven M. Rales, Mitchell P. Rales |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Industry | Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Biotechnology |
| Former Industries | Test & Measurement, Industrial Technologies, Environmental Technologies |
| Publicly Traded | NYSE: DHR |
| Notable Brands Owned (Historical) | Fluke, Tektronix, Amprobe, Qualitrol |
| Major Spin-Off | Fortive Corporation (2016) |
Description
Danaher built its reputation through the acquisition and management of technology-focused companies. During the 1990s and 2000s, the company assembled a substantial portfolio of manufacturers specializing in electronic test equipment, industrial instrumentation, environmental monitoring, and communications technologies.
The company acquired Fluke Corporation in 1998, adding one of the most recognized names in electrical test equipment to its portfolio. In 2006, Danaher acquired Advanced Test Products (ATP), bringing the Amprobe brand under Danaher ownership. Additional acquisitions strengthened the company’s position in electronic instrumentation and industrial technology markets.
In 2016, Danaher separated many of its industrial and test-and-measurement businesses into a new publicly traded company, Fortive Corporation. Brands such as Fluke, Amprobe, Tektronix, and Qualitrol became part of Fortive, while Danaher concentrated on life sciences, diagnostics, biotechnology, and healthcare technologies.
Historical Addresses
| Period | Address |
|---|---|
| 1984–Present | 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800W, Washington, DC 20037, USA |
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Danaher Corporation founded by Steven and Mitchell Rales. |
| 1986 | Acquired Chicago Pneumatic, expanding into industrial manufacturing. |
| 1998 | Acquired Fluke Corporation. |
| 1999 | Acquired Hach Company. |
| 2004 | Acquired Leica Microsystems. |
| 2005 | Acquired Trojan Technologies. |
| 2006 | Acquired Advanced Test Products (ATP), including the Amprobe brand. |
| 2007 | Acquired Tektronix. |
| 2011 | Acquired Beckman Coulter. |
| 2015 | Acquired Pall Corporation. |
| 2016 | Spun off its industrial and test-and-measurement businesses as Fortive Corporation. |
| Present | Focuses on life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology markets. |
References
- https://www.danaher.com/about-danaher — Official Danaher corporate history, company overview, and Danaher Business System information.
- https://www.danaher.com/our-businesses — Official overview of Danaher’s operating companies and business segments.
- https://investors.danaher.com/2016-07-02-Danaher-Corporation-Completes-Separation-of-Fortive-Corporation — Official announcement of the Fortive spin-off.
- https://investors.fortive.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/230/fortive-completes-separation-from-danaher-and-launches-as-an-independent-publicly-traded-company — Official Fortive announcement regarding separation from Danaher.
- https://amprobe.com/about-us/ — Official Amprobe history documenting its acquisition through Advanced Test Products and Danaher.