THE WHAT? Colgate-Palmolive is reportedly exploring the sale of several mass-market personal care brands, including Softsoap, Irish Spring and Speed Stick, in a transaction that could generate more than US$1 billion.
THE DETAILS The consumer goods group is reportedly working with Goldman Sachs on a potential divestment of selected brands from its personal care division, which spans deodorants, bar and liquid soaps, shower gels and skincare. Colgate’s overall personal care business, including mass and prestige brands, accounted for 17 percent of group net sales in 2025, equivalent to approximately US$3.5 billion. The potential sale comes as Colgate faces increased competition in North America, where organic sales declined 3 percent in its latest quarter, despite group net sales increasing 4.9 percent.
THE WHY? A divestment would allow Colgate-Palmolive to streamline its personal care portfolio and concentrate investment behind its core and higher-priority brands, reflecting a wider consumer goods industry shift towards more focused portfolios amid rising costs, tariffs and pressure on consumer spending.
Source: Reuters
