Danaher Corporation is a global science and technology innovator that was founded in 1969 in Washington D.C. by Mitchell Rales and Steven M. Rales. The company operates in four segments: life sciences, diagnostics, dental, and environmental and applied solutions. Its products range from medical devices and dental equipment to water treatment systems and industrial sensors.
The life sciences segment includes products for cell culture research, genomics research, mass spectrometry, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The diagnostics segment provides products and services for clinical laboratories, including diagnostic instruments and tests, and software. The dental segment provides products such as dental imaging equipment, dental implant systems, and orthodontic solutions. Finally, the environmental and applied solutions segment provides products for water quality analysis, food safety testing, and manufacturing control.
Danaher has a decentralized organizational structure, with each of its four segments operating as an independent business unit. The company's management philosophy, known as the Danaher Business System (DBS), is a continuous improvement program based on lean manufacturing principles. DBS is designed to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality across all of Danaher's business units.
Danaher has grown through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Over the years, the company has acquired several businesses, including Beckman Coulter, Leica Microsystems, and Pall Corporation. These acquisitions have helped Danaher expand its product portfolio and enter new markets.
Danaher is known for its strong financial performance, including its consistent revenue growth and high profit margins. The company has a history of delivering value to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payments. In 2020, Danaher's revenue was over $22 billion, with net income of over $4 billion. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol DHR.