A natural smile.(Colgate-Palmolive Co. plans to acquire Tom's of Maine Inc.)(Brief article)

Global Cosmetic Industry, May, 2006

Colgate-Palmolive Company, as part of its strategy to focus on its higher-margin oral and personal care businesses, announced that it has agreed to purchase Tom's of Maine. According to Colgate's press release, the U.S. market for natural oral and personal care products is valued at $3 billion and is growing at 15% per year.

Tom's of Maine provides Colgate the opportunity to enter the health and specialty trade channel where Tom's toothpaste is the market leader, commanding 60% share of that channel.