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.