Colgate-Palmolive is considering selling three of its mass-market personal care brands—Softsoap, Irish Spring, and Speed Stick—in a deal valued at over $1 billion, according to livemint.com. The move aims to streamline the company’s portfolio and focus on its core business segments. The discussions about the sale surfaced on September 11, 2026.
The potential sale involves divesting these well-known personal care brands to sharpen Colgate-Palmolive’s strategic focus. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the company is exploring options to offload these assets as part of a broader effort to optimize its product lineup. This initiative aligns with Colgate-Palmolive’s ongoing efforts to prioritize higher-margin and core categories.
This development comes amid a trend where consumer goods companies are divesting non-core brands to concentrate on flagship products and innovation. Comparable moves in the sector include Procter & Gamble’s sale of several smaller brands to focus on its main categories. The $1 billion-plus valuation underscores the significance of these brands in the personal care market, reflecting their established consumer base and revenue potential.
Colgate-Palmolive has not confirmed the sale but is expected to provide updates as talks progress. The company’s next quarterly earnings report, scheduled for October 2026, may offer further insights into the impact of this strategic portfolio adjustment.