Barry Sherman had four children. A son, Jonathon, and three daughters, Lauren, Alexandra, and Kaelen. There isn’t much information about his children on the internet as he likes to keep his personal life away from the internet.
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Sherman’s entry into the pharmaceutical world was influenced by his uncle, Louis Lloyd Winter, whose company, Empire Laboratories, became his first exposure to the industry. After graduating from the University of Toronto in 1964, Sherman furthered his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics in 1967.

Image Credit: Dick Loek *p66 Carolyn Abbass/ K|
Credit: Toronto Star via Getty Images
In 1967, Sherman acquired Empire Laboratories, setting the stage for his impactful career in pharmaceuticals. Under his leadership, Empire secured rights to manufacture key medications, solidifying its position in the industry. However, Sherman’s ambitious plans led to the voiding of an agreement with the Winter estate in 1969, paving the way for the creation of Apotex in 1974.
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Apotex quickly became Canada’s largest domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer, boasting over 10,000 employees and distributing products to more than 115 countries. Sherman’s strategic investments, including acquiring a third of Barr Laboratories, positioned Apotex as a major player in the generic drug market.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Sherman ventured into various business domains. His collaboration with Frank D’Angelo resulted in ventures such as the Cheetah Power Surge energy drink and Steelback Brewery. Despite facing setbacks, Sherman’s willingness to explore diverse industries showcased his entrepreneurial spirit.


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