COLGATE-PALMOLIVE

In 1806 William Colgate starts a starch, soap and candle business on Dutch Street in New York City.In 1820 Colgate establishes a starch factory in Jersey City, New Jersey.Upon the death of founder William Colgate in 1857, the company is reorganized as Colgate & Company under the management of Samuel Colgate, his son.

B.J. Johnson opens a soap factory in Milwaukee, WI, which later becomes the Palmolive Company in 1864. Peet Brothers establish soap company in Kansas City in 1872, Kansas where they make Crystal White soap.Cashmere Bouquet, the first milled perfumed toilet soap, is registered as a Colgate trademark.In 1873 Colgate introduces toothpaste in jars.Colgate introduces toothpaste in a collapsible tube in 1896.B.J. Johnson Soap Co. introduces Palmolive Soap in 1898.Today, the Palmolive equity is sold in over 88 countries in 54 variants.In 1900 Colgate wins top honors for its fine soaps and perfumes at the World’s Fair in Paris.Colgate distributes two million tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes to schools, and provides hygienists to demonstrate tooth brushing in 1911.In 1912 William Mennen introduces the first American shaving cream tube.In 1914 Colgate establishes its first international subsidiary in Canada and latter in 1920s Colgate begins establishing operations in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.

In 1926 Soap manufacturers Palmolive and Peet merge to become Palmolive-Peet Company and in 1928 Colgate merges with Palmolive-Peet to become Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company. Colgate is first listed on the New York Stock Exchange on March 13,1930.

In 1939 Dr. Mark L. Morris develops a pet food to help save a guide dog named Buddy from kidney disease. This breakthrough leads to the first Hill's Prescription Diet product.In 1947 Ajax cleanser is launched, establishing a powerful now-global brand equity for cleaning products.Colgate-Palmolive Company becomes company's official name in 1953.Colgate opens corporate headquarters at 300 Park Avenue in New York City in 1956.

In 1962 Colgate opens research center in Piscataway, NJ.Fabric conditioner is launched in France as Soup line. Today, fabric conditioners are sold in over 54 countries around the world.Latter in 1966 Palmolive dish washing liquid is introduced and today it is sold in over 35 countries.Colgate toothpaste adds MFP Fluoride, clinically proven to reduce cavities in 1968. In 1970 Irish Spring launches in Germany as Irische Frühling and in Europe as Nordic Spring. In 1972, Irish Spring is introduced in North America.In 1972 Colgate acquires Hoyt Laboratories, which later becomes Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals. Caprice hair care launches in Mexico in 1975. Today, hair care products are sold in over 70 countries, with variants to suit every type of hair need.In 1976 Colgate-Palmolive acquires Hill's Pet Nutrition. Today Hill's is the global leader in pet nutrition and veterinary recommendations.

In 1983 Colgate Plus toothbrush is introduced. Today over 1.6 billion Colgate toothbrushes are sold annually worldwide. If you lined them up end to end, they would circle the globe 16 times. Protex bar soap is introduced in 1985, and today offers all-family antibacterial protection in over 56 countries.Colgate-Palmolive enters into a joint venture with Hong Kong-based Hawley & Hazel, a leading oral care company, which adds strength in key Asian markets.In 1986 The Chairman's You Can Make A Difference Program is launched, recognizing innovation and executional excellence by Colgate people.Colgate acquires Softsoap liquid soap business from the Minnetonka Corporation in 1987. Today, Colgate is the global leader in liquid hand soap.In 1989 Annual Company sales surpass the $5 billion mark.

In 1991 Colgate acquires Murphy Oil Soap, the leading wood cleaner in the U.S. Today, its product portfolio has expanded to include all-purpose cleaners, sprays and wipes.Colgate acquires the Mennen Company in 1992. Today, Mennen products are sold in over 52 countries.Colgate Total toothpaste is also introduced in 1992. In 1995 Colgate enters Central Europe and Russia, expanding into fast-growing markets.Colgate acquires Kolynos Oral Care business in Latin America and launches market-leading Sorriso toothpaste.In 1996 Bright Smiles, Bright Futures oral health education program expands to 50 countries, and today reaches over 50 million children annually.

In 1997 Colgate Total toothpaste is introduced in the U.S. and quickly becomes the market leader. Only Colgate Total, with its 12-hour protection, fights a complete range of oral health problems.Colgate acquires the GABA oral care business in Europe in 2004, with its strength in the important European pharmacy channel and its ties with the dental community.In 2006 Colgate enters the fast-growing Naturals segment by purchasing Tom’s of Maine, a leader in that market in the United States.

Today …

Today, with sales surpassing $15 billion, Colgate focuses on four core businesses: Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate now sells its products in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.