Colgate-Palmolive Considers Selling Softsoap, Irish Spring, and Speed Stick Amid North America Revenue Decline
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) has reportedly engaged Goldman Sachs to explore the sale of its personal care brands—Softsoap, Irish Spring, and Speed Stick—as part of a broader strategy to refocus on growth areas. The move comes after Q2 2026 North America revenue fell by 3%, prompting Colgate's Strategic Growth and Productivity Program (SGPP), which has already incurred $129 million in charges this quarter with an expected total between $350 million and $550 million. While no buyer or confirmation of the sale exists yet, private equity firms are seen as likely candidates due to their ability to finance mature brands based on cash flow and brand strength. Potential strategic buyers like Church & Dwight (CHD) and Edgewell Personal Care (EPC), though relevant in product lines, face limitations such as scale gaps or financial constraints. Colgate's CEO has described the U.S. business as being in a long-term turnaround phase, suggesting that shedding these brands may help reduce drag from weaker regions rather than directly driving growth.
Topics: brand divestitures Colgate-Palmolive Goldman Sachs private equity