Trian Partners Activist Presentation Deck
Gillette Case Study
In 2005, P&G acquired Gillette for $57bn but has lost 1,250
bps of share in the U.S. men's shave category in just 5 years
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■
Lack of innovation: From the 1980s through P&G's acquisition,
Gillette launched a new razor/blade platform every 7-9 yrs,
cannibalizing prior platforms but distancing itself from competition
and growing share. P&G has not launched a new platform since
the acquisition (12 yrs and counting; see chart on right)
■
Lack of competitive response: Gillette also did not adequately
respond to upstarts such as Dollar Shave Club and Harry's launching
less expensive product with internet delivery. These competitors
have taken ~1,000 bps of share combined in just the last five years
How may P&G's structure have impacted Gillette?
We understand that Gillette management advocated for a direct-to-
consumer program a year before Dollar Shave Club launched in
2011. Given a combination of razor blades' high prices, small size
and weight and regular ordering pattern, the category was a good fit
(and susceptible to competition from) online
▪ A proactive and aggressive direct-to-consumer response was quickly
"shut down" by corporate and the local sales team
In this case, P&G would have benefitted from more decentralized and
less homogenized thinking
▪ Now, six years later, P&G is committed to online subscription for
Gillette but is still ramping up investment and playing catch-up
"Platform" Introductions Have Slowed
1989
1994
1998
2001
2004
2004
2005
Sensor
Sensor Excel
Mach 3
Mach 3 Turbo
Sensor 3 Refillable
M3 Power
Fusion System
Expanded M3 Power
Fusion Proglide
Fusion Proglide Flexball
Fusion Proshield
???
62%
2005
2010
2014
2016
2017
49%
U.S. Men's Grooming Market Share
Gillette
(P&G)
boxe
9 years
7 years
Acquired by P&G
in 2005
0%
2011
2016
2011
Source: Euromonitor International Limited 2017 O, Wall Street research, Gillette website, investor call transcripts and discussions with former Gillette employees.
12+ years
DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB
(Unilever)
+
HARRY'S
10%
2016
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