Company Overview

Key Facts

Acquired by Procter & Gamble in late 2005. Brands include Oral-B, Braun, and Duracell.

Key Financial Facts

2004 revenue: $10,477 million 1-yr. growth rate: 13.2 percent

Personnel Highlights

Number of employees: 28,700 1-yr. growth rate: –2.4 percent

Company Overview

The Gillette Company, founded in Boston in 1901, is the number-one manufacturer of razors worldwide. It also produces well-known products such as Oral-B toothbrushes, Braun shavers, and Duracell batteries. Gillette has an online store at www.theessentials.com, which features Gillette blades, razors, replacement parts, shaving items, and gift sets. The company invests in research and development, producing an average of 20 new products annually to add to its already substantial list of goods.