Colgate-Palmolive is reportedly exploring the sale of several mass-market personal care brands, including Softsoap, Irish Spring and Speed Stick, in a portfolio reshaping effort that could generate more than $1 billion, with the company working with Goldman Sachs on the potential divestiture. Personal care accounted for roughly 17% of Colgate-Palmolive's 2025 net sales, or about $3.5 billion, while oral care remains the company's largest business. The move comes as Colgate faces pressure in North America, where organic sales declined 3% even as the company recently reported a 4.9% increase in net sales. The strategy is consistent with a broader consumer-goods shift toward simplifying portfolios and concentrating capital on higher-growth categories, with Unilever, Nestlé and other major consumer companies similarly selling slower-growing or non-core businesses. Analysts note the divestiture could sharpen strategic focus and free up capital for debt reduction, share repurchases or investment behind stronger brands, but warn that a smaller portfolio does not guarantee faster growth and that selling mature brands into a difficult market could yield a disappointing valuation.
Colgate-Palmolive CompanyColgate explores a >$1B divestiture of Softsoap, Irish Spring and Speed Stick, which could free capital for debt reduction, buybacks or stronger brands, though analysts warn of a possibly disappointing valuation.
Nestle S.A.
Unilever PLC
Goldman Sachs Group IncGoldman Sachs is reportedly advising Colgate-Palmolive on the potential divestiture, a passing advisory role with no stated financial impact.
