Gillette Integration Ahead of Schedule, P&G Says

CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble reported that the Gillette blade and razor, as well as the Braun businesses will become part of P&G Beauty and Health, while the Duracell battery business will become part of P&G Household Care, effective July 1. “After the acquisition, we had laid out a plan to integrate fully in two to three years and the two-year mark will be in October 2007,” P&G spokesman Michael Norton told SN. “Since the integration has gone well it has allowed the acceleration of this step.” The Gillette businesses have been operating as a separate business unit since P&G acquired the company in 2005. The reorganization will not affect the locations of the operations. P&G also reported that it will invest $35 million to $50 million in its South Boston manufacturing center, also known as the Gillette World Shaving Headquarters. -- Wendy Toth