The Seagram Company Ltd. was a prominent Canadian multinational corporation primarily known for its operations in the alcoholic beverage industry. Founded in 1857 as a distiller of Canadian whisky in Waterloo, Ontario, it grew under the leadership of the Bronfman family, who acquired control in the early 20th century. By the 1990s, Seagram had become the world's largest owner of alcoholic beverage brands, with a portfolio that included iconic labels such as Crown Royal, Seagram's V.O., Martell cognac, and Chivas Regal. The company's expansion was driven by strategic acquisitions and a focus on premium spirits, establishing it as a global leader in the sector.

In the late 1990s, under the direction of Edgar Bronfman Jr., Seagram diversified beyond beverages into the entertainment industry, acquiring significant stakes in media and film companies. This shift included the purchase of MCA Inc. (now Universal Studios) in 1995 and PolyGram in 1998, transforming Seagram into an entertainment conglomerate during its final years. However, these ventures proved costly and challenging, contributing to financial strains. Ultimately, in 2000, the company was sold off in parts: its beverage assets to Pernod Ricard and Diageo, and its entertainment holdings to Vivendi, marking the end of Seagram as an independent entity.

The Bronfman family's influence was central to Seagram's history, with figures like Samuel Bronfman building it into a family dynasty. The company's legacy includes not only its contributions to the global spirits market but also its role in Canadian business history, though its late diversification efforts highlighted the risks of conglomerate expansion.