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Business & Money • Philanthropist

Barry Sherman

Barry Sherman was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist who founded Apotex Inc.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Barry Sherman was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist who founded Apotex Inc. and served as its chairman and CEO. He was one of Canada’s wealthiest people at the time of his death in 2017. Sherman and his wife Honey were found dead in their Toronto home in December 2017; the deaths were ruled homicides.

Early life and education

Barry Sherman was born in Toronto in 1942. He studied engineering at the University of Toronto and later earned a doctorate in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Business career

Sherman began in the pharmaceutical industry in the 1960s and later founded Apotex Inc. in 1974. Under his leadership, Apotex became one of Canada’s largest generic drug manufacturers.

Wealth and philanthropy

Sherman accumulated substantial wealth through Apotex, placing him among Canada’s richest individuals. Forbes estimated his net worth at US$3.2 billion at the time of his death, while Canadian Business estimated his fortune at CA$4.77 billion. He and his wife were also active philanthropists, supporting hospitals, universities, and Jewish organizations.

Death and aftermath

Sherman and his wife Honey were found dead in their home in North York, Toronto, in December 2017. Police ruled the deaths homicides, and the case drew major public attention in Canada.

Key facts

  • Barry Sherman founded Apotex Inc., a major Canadian generic pharmaceutical company.
  • Forbes estimated his net worth at US$3.2 billion at the time of his death.
  • Sherman and his wife Honey were found dead in their Toronto home in December 2017; police ruled the deaths homicides.
  • The Shermans were widely known for philanthropy, including donations to Toronto-area institutions and Jewish community organizations.
  • Sherman earned a doctorate in engineering from MIT.
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Canadian context

Sherman was a prominent figure in Canadian business and philanthropy, and Apotex became one of Canada’s best-known pharmaceutical companies. His death and the investigation into it received extensive Canadian media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Barry Sherman?
Barry Sherman was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist best known as the founder and CEO of Apotex Inc.
What company did Barry Sherman found?
He founded Apotex Inc., a major Canadian generic pharmaceutical company.
How wealthy was Barry Sherman?
Forbes estimated his net worth at US$3.2 billion at the time of his death.
How did Barry Sherman die?
He and his wife were found dead in their Toronto home in December 2017, and police ruled the deaths homicides.
Was Barry Sherman involved in philanthropy?
Yes. He and his wife donated to many charities and institutions, especially in Toronto and within the Jewish community.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Sherman
    Supports: Full name, birth and death dates, career, education, net worth, and homicide note.
  2. Global News — https://globalnews.ca/news/3920386/barry-sherman-apotex-founder-wife-remembered/
    Supports: Business background, philanthropy, education, and Canadian wealth ranking.
  3. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/barry-sherman-a-ruthless-fighter-who-helped-revolutionize-canadas-drug-industry/article37355332/
    Supports: Apotex founding, industry influence, and philanthropy.
  4. CityNews Toronto — https://toronto.citynews.ca/2018/04/05/barry-sherman/
    Supports: Public reporting on the Shermans' philanthropy and prominence in Toronto.