The company was founded in 1786 by John Molson, making it North America's oldest brewing company. The first brewery was located on the St. Lawrence River in Montreal.
Today Molson is the 13th largest brewer in the world. Molson's brands in Canada and the United States include Molson Canadian, Molson Canadian Light, Molson Ice, Molson Golden, Molson Export, Molson Dry, Pilsner, Carling and Tornade. In Brazil, Moslon also owns the Brazilian brands Marca Bavaria and Kaiser, after two acquisitions in 2000 and 2002. It also brews Fosters Lager under licence for the United States and Canadian markets.
In addition to alcoholic beverages, Molson owns a 20% stake in the Montreal Canadiens, who historically have been the NHL's most successful hockey team. They also sponsor the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres.
My beer has been universally well-liked beyond my most sanguine expectations. -John Molson, 1786