Colgate-Palmolive Reportedly Explores Sale of Irish Spring, Speed Stick Brands

Colgate-Palmolive Co. is exploring a sale of some of its well-known mass-market personal care brands, including Irish Spring, Speed Stick, and Softsoap, in a deal that could be valued at over $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Reuters.

Details of the Potential Divestment

The consumer products company is reportedly working with investment bank Goldman Sachs to manage the sale process. The potential divestment focuses on a select group of brands within its personal care unit, which includes deodorants, bar and liquid soaps, and shower gels.

Sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the private matter, indicated the collection of brands could fetch a combined price tag exceeding $1 billion. Both Colgate-Palmolive and Goldman Sachs declined to comment on the reports.

Strategic Rationale and Market Pressures

This move aligns with a broader industry trend of consumer goods conglomerates streamlining their portfolios to focus on core, high-growth assets. Offloading these brands would allow Colgate-Palmolive to concentrate resources on its larger segments amid a challenging market.

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At a recent Barclays consumer conference, Colgate CEO Noel Wallace acknowledged that the company faces "intensifying competition in North America" and that improving the business would be a "long-term turnaround." This statement follows the company's most recent quarterly earnings report, which showed that while overall net sales rose 4.9%, organic sales in its North American market fell 3%.

Financial Context

New York-based Colgate-Palmolive has a market capitalization of approximately $70 billion. The company's stock has risen about 11% year-to-date, according to LSEG data.

The entire personal care division, which includes both mass and prestige brands, accounted for 17% of the company's net sales in 2025, representing about $3.5 billion. The company's largest and most dominant segment is oral care, which includes its flagship Colgate toothpaste brand and constitutes nearly half of its total net sales.