a
major American manufacturer of cleansers, soaps and other various household products. The
company was formed in 1837 when soapmaker James Gamble (1803-1891) and candlemaker
William Procter (1801-1884) merged businesses. It steadily expanded and came to
produce a variety of products, including such well-known detergents as
Tide,
Bold and Cheer, as well as toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants and paper products. Procter & Gamble was also noted for its many
advertising campaigns, such as its
slogan "99 and 44/100% Pure" used to
promote Ivory Soap.