Tom's of Maine

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History

Tom's of Maine was founded by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970 with just US $5000. The company is based in Kennebunk, Maine, in the United States. The company now has approximately 150 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. Their fluoride toothpastes are the only natural alternatives to earn the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance.

Acquisition

In 2006, a controlling 84% stake in Tom's of Maine was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive for US $100M. The Chappells kept a 16% share in the company. The terms of the purchase stipulate that Tom's of Maine's policies will be retained, but the partnership is still in its early days and many businesses and natural product consumers are watching and waiting to see how it plays out.^{[citation needed]}