Our history

Sigma has a long history in the pharmaceutical industry. Sigma Company Limited was originally founded by two Melbourne pharmacists in 1912 and grew to become one of Australia’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesale distributors and retail banner groups. Arrow Pharmaceuticals was incorporated in July 1999 and achieved rapid growth in a short period of time to achieve approximately 36% share of the generic pharmaceutical market. Sigma Company Limited and Arrow Pharmaceuticals Limited merged in December 2005 to become Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

1912 Sigma Company founded by two Melbourne pharmacists
1942 Manufacturing activities commenced
1996 QDL acquired
1997 Sigma Company Ltd listed on the Exempt Stock Exchange
1997 Guardian pharmacy banner group acquired
1998 Amcal pharmacy banner group acquired
1999 SmithKline Beecham's Dandenong manufacturing facility acquired
1999 Sigma Company Ltd moves to full ASX listing
1999 Arrow Pharmaceuticals incorporated
2002 Arrow Pharmaceuticals Ltd listed on the ASX
2003 Sigma Company acquires Herron Pharmaceuticals and Chemists' Own
2005 Sigma Company Ltd and Arrow Pharmaceuticals Ltd merge and are renamed Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2008 Sigma Pharmaceuticals acquires Orphan Australia

Today Sigma is a leading manufacturer and marketer of prescription, over-the-counter and generic pharmaceutical products and a leading full line wholesale and distribution business to pharmacy. Sigma is also the owner of some of Australia's best known pharmacy banner brands in Amcal, Guardian and Amcal Max.