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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...

       COLGATE COMPLETES FINAL STAGE OF KOLYNOS PURCHASE APPROVAL PROCESS

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, MARCH 19, 1997... Colgate today announced the completion of
the approval process for its purchase of the Kolynos business by Brazilian anti-
trust authorities (CADE).  Official government agreement was given to previously
reported plans developed by Colgate and the Brazilian anti-trust authorities
(CADE) on how Colgate will operate the acquired Kolynos toothpaste business in
Brazil and how it will implement cost savings efficiencies and expansion of
export sales over the next several years.

     Colgate purchased the worldwide Kolynos business in 1995.  In September,
1996, the Brazilian CADE approved the acquisition in that country under certain
alternative conditions.  Several months ago, Colgate publicly selected the
alternative proposed by the CADE to suspend the sale of the Kolynos brand of
toothpaste in Brazil for a period of four years.  In its place, the Company will
market an alternative brand in the same consumer segment now occupied by
Kolynos.  The Company has six months from today's approval to deplete existing
Kolynos inventory and utilize existing packaging materials, during which time
the alternative brand will be phased in.

     The previously announced plan included specific synergies, cost
efficiencies and major export activities.  These additional plans can now be
implemented by the Company.

     The terms of the proposal as previously reported also called for the
Company to offer for sale a certain amount of toothpaste (approximately 1/5 of
existing capacity) to third parties, such as supermarket chains wishing to
launch dental creams under their own label or other marketers needing supply.
The parties will be selected based upon the bids they submit for the production.

 
     In commenting on the official approval received today, Reuben Mark,
Colgate's Chairman and CEO said, "We are very pleased this last phase of the
approval process is completed.  We will now be able to move forward with the
exciting growth plans we have for our Brazilian oral care business.  These
include aggressive marketing behind both Colgate toothpaste and our new and
exciting alternative brand; as well as the modernization of the Kolynos
manufacturing facility and its development into a major export center for
Mercosul, Latin America and the developing world; the development of the Kolynos
Technology Center into a world class laboratory serving the oral health needs of
all Latin America; and the expansion of our oral health education programs
planned to reach millions of children throughout the country.  We will also be
able to accelerate the combination of the Colgate and Kolynos operations for
even greater efficiencies and significant cost savings.

     "We are optimistic our Brazilian business will continue to profitably grow
as a result of our strong market shares, increased efficiencies, and the revenue
we will receive from our new third party customers."

     Under the agreement, the Company will continue to strongly market the
Kolynos brand in the other rapidly growing segments of the Brazilian Oral Care
market through the sale of Kolynos branded toothbrushes, floss, and dental
rinses.

     The agreement has no effect on the Kolynos toothpaste business in the 12
other countries where these products are currently being sold.

     Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly
focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Household Care, Fabric Care and Pet
Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories
around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate,
Palmolive, Mennen, Kolynos, Ajax, Soupline, Suavitel and Fab, as well as Hill's
Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods.