EXHIBIT 99


             New York, New York, September 19, 1996... Colgate-Palmolive
             announced that the Brazilian CADE antitrust agency last
             night approved Colgate's acquisition of the Kolynos Oral
             Care business in Brazil subject to certain conditions.  This
             acquisition was part of Colgate's 1995 purchase of the
             worldwide Kolynos Oral Care business.

             Reuben Mark, Chairman and CEO, said: "We are pleased with
             Brazilian approval of this investment in our most important
             core business, Oral Care, in the largest and most powerful
             economy in Latin America.  This is a major step forward.  We
             will submit an appropriate plan within the next several
             months and we trust that we will reach an agreement with the
             CADE which will fulfill their conditions."

             Kolynos does business in 19 countries, and the CADE
             conditions apply only to toothpaste in Brazil, which
             represents roughly two-thirds of the total Kolynos business.

             The Colgate plan, to be presented to the CADE within several
             months, will address in an appropriate manner the following
             alternative conditions indicated in the CADE approval:

                  -A mechanism to allow for the temporary suspension of
             the Kolynos trademark for toothpaste in Brazil for several
             years.

                  -A means by which the Kolynos trademark for toothpaste
             in Brazil can be licensed on a long-term basis.

             Agreement with the CADE will have no effect on Colgate's
             aggressive plans to develop Kolynos-Brazil as an export
             center for toothpaste and toothbrushes for Latin America and
             emerging economies worldwide.

             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 quality products in 206 countries and territories
             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.

















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