Elanco: Past, Present and Future

Since our start, Elanco has worked to empower veterinarians, farmers, and all those caring for animals with the tools needed to help animals live healthy lives.


A Legacy of Innovation

For more than 65 years, we've focused on delivering innovative animal health solutions that solve our customers’ greatest challenges.

1950s

Where it All Began

Elanco has helped shape the lives of animals and their care providers for more than half a century.

Elanco's first ever logo

1953

The Beginning of Elanco Animal Health

Eli Lilly and Company introduces the first antibiotic exclusively for veterinary use.

woman walking through a barn next to cows whilst petting a dog

1954

A Dedication to Plants & Animals

New plant and animal science activities are organized and combined into Lilly's Agricultural and Industrial Sales Division.

lilly elanco building

1955

Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine Research Center

Eli Lilly and Company purchases acreage adjoining the Biological Laboratories of Greenfield, Ind. The facility is completed in 1959 and opens as the Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine Research Center.

1956

Expanding Products

With the purchase of Corn State Laboratories, Lilly expands its line of veterinary products.

1960-1980s

The 60s, 70s & 80s

In 1960, Elanco began growing rapidly into new countries and markets.

image of a man before Elanco became Elanco

1960

Elanco Name Begins

The Agricultural and Sales Division is reorganized and Elanco Products Company is launched.

image of a building

1960s

Expanding Elanco's Footprint

Elanco expands it's footprint by establishing agricultural units and opening up regional offices.

elanco logos throughout the years

1970s

Growing Business and Products

Elanco continues its global expansion and changes its identity with a bold new logo.

1980s

New Research Focus

Research and development shifts from plant science toward animal health, specifically on increasing the quality of animal-sourced protein.

2000-2010

The early 2000s

A new century brings new changes. Elanco moves its headquarters, acquires new partners, and rapidly grows the product portfolio.

2007

Bringing Employees Together

Elanco builds a dedicated global headquarters campus in Greenfield, Ind., bringing together employees from all areas of the company for the first time.

close up of a woman smiling shaking a mans hand

2007

Growing Through Acquisition

Elanco acquires long-term partner Ivy Animal Health and launches its Pet Animal businesses.

a dog in the vet's office with little boy by its side

2010s+

The 2010s to Present

From 2010, Elanco continued to expand its global presence and portfolio of products and solutions.

elanco map

2011

European Expansion

Elanco expands its European presence with the acquisition of Janssen Animal Health.

elanco map

2012

A Growing Portfolio

With the acquisition of ChemGen, Elanco attains a portfolio of feed enzyme products for poultry, egg and meat production.

2013

Global Growth and Product Expansion

Elanco completes the first expansion of its headquarters and establishes 'hubs' in international cities. The Pet Animal portfolio grows, and Elanco enters the vaccines sector.

vet checking out a small dog

2014

Global Poultry Leader

Elanco acquires Lohmann Animal Health and becomes a global leader in poultry.

close up of a chicken

2015

Leading Animal Health

Elanco acquires Novartis Animal Health. The combined organization is committed to leading the animal health industry in delivering innovation and customer value.

Image of Elanco's headquaters sign outside

2016

U.S. Expansion

Elanco expands its U.S. pet health portfolio by acquiring an innovative platform of vaccines from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica.

2018

The New, Independent Elanco

Elanco lists on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ELAN), separating from Lilly and giving its employees ownership.

group of people infront of Elancos office logo clapping and punching the air

2019

Elanco Completes Separation from Lilly

Elanco becomes a fully-independent pure play animal health company

girl holding a dog with cattle in the background

2019

Elanco's Healthy Purpose™

Elanco launches its Healthy Purpose™ initiative: its corporate social responsibility platform, and commitment to realizing its vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life.

Health Purpose icon

2019

Elanco Foundation

Elanco establishes the Elanco Foundation, which is the first-ever charitable foundation in animal health.

Elanco animal health foundation logo

2020

Elanco Closes Acquisition of Bayer Animal Health

Elanco, now with the addition of Bayer Animal Health, has improved capabilities, scale and global reach to position the company as a long-term leader in the growing global animal health market.

woman with two dogs during sunrise

Our Vision for the Future

As we focus on the future ahead of us, Elanco is committed to animal health and innovation, increasing our ability to deliver for farmers, veterinarians and pet owners.

two men and a woman fixing bamboo sticks to a wall frame
Elanco employees around the world are working to build a leading animal health company that will make a tangible difference in advancing the health of animals, people and the planet.

The Next Chapter

Our next era of growth will bring continued growth of our product innovation and purpose-driven culture as we further our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life.

a person walking a dog in a city with people walking past

You Might Be Interested in...

Get to know Elanco and our perspective on animal health by exploring more articles below.

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Purpose-Driven Culture

Learn how we foster a culture that's driven by values and celebrates our company purpose.

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Our People

Read about the individuals who shape Elanco and bring our culture and values to life.

Our Initiatives

See how we advance our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life through participation in programs and community projects.


About Elanco

About Elanco

Learn why we're a leading provider of innovative solutions that protect and enhance animal health.

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