Microsoft
Description
Microsoft's ambitions are anything but small. The world's #1 software company provides a variety of products and services, including its Windows operating systems and Office software suite. The company has expanded into markets such as video game consoles, servers and storage software, and digital music players. With its core markets maturing, Microsoft is targeting services for growth, looking to transform its software applications into Web-based services for enterprises and consumers. Microsoft has reached settlements to end a slew of antitrust investigations and lawsuits, including agreeing to uniformly license its operating systems and allowing manufacturers to include competing software with Windows.
Perrigo
Description
Perrigo makes its name by making sure you never see it. One of the US's largest manufacturers of generic and private label over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and supplements, Perrigo makes products that use similar packaging and discount pricing to compete with leading national brands. The company makes some 1,200 products, including pain relievers, cough and cold remedies, and nutritional supplements some of which are sold under its own Good Sense brand. It also makes about more than 200 generic prescription products for other companies. Its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) division manufactures the raw materials used by generic and branded pharmaceutical companies worldwide.