Tom's of Maine is a leading maker of natural personal care products, such as toothpaste, made without artificial or animal ingredients or chemicals. Founded by Tom Chappell and Kate Chappell in 1970 with just US$5000, the company now has nearly 200 employees and 90 oral and body care products sold at more than 40,000 retail outlets worldwide. They sell soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, mouthwash, and similar products. As the name suggests, the company was founded by a man named Tom, and the company is, in fact, based in Maine.

In 2006, Tom's of Maine was acquired by Colgate-Palmolive for US$100M. The previous owners were able to keep an 16% share in the company though. It has yet to be seen the company will keep the same policies in place. The purchase is seen as a "stealth purchase" by many, as Colgate will not identify itself as the owner, and the founder of Tom's of Maine had been a vocal critic of Colgate's toothpastes.

External links

• Tom's of Maine website
• News article about Colgate-Palmolive acquisition

Companies based in Maine | Brands of toothpaste | Colgate-Palmolive brands