Chronology
• Key Dates:
• 1901: American Safety Razor is founded by King C. Gillette.
• 1904: King Gillette's safety razor is patented.
• 1918: Gillette manufacturers razors and blades for soldiers during World War I.
• 1942: The Cavalcade of Sports program is formed to oversee the company's various advertising and promotional activities in athletics.
• 1967: Braun AG is acquired.
• 1971: Company is organized into four domestic divisions: the Safety Razor Division; the Toiletries Division (featuring Right Guard antiperspirant); the Personal Care Division; and the Paper Mate division.
• 1991: Gillette ranks 20th among the Fortune 500.
• 1996: The company acquires battery manufacturer Duracell.