As of August 11th, 1999, Procter & Gamble purchased Iams
for over $2.3 billion. "Iams is a terrific business strong innovation,
leading brands, global growth, talented people," said Durk Jager, P&G's
president and chief executive. "It fits well with P&G strengths,
including expertise in health and nutrition. Iams will be an important
contributor to accelerating our growth."
Clay Mathile, chairman and owner of The Iams Company,
had to say: "This is an exciting growth opportunity for our products and
people because P&G understands and respects Iams' mission, which is to
enhance the well being of dogs and cats. With P&G, we can further
advance that mission around the world."
Procter & Gamble has already started one of the largest
advertising campaigns Iams and Eukanuba have ever seen, as managed by
Saatchi & Saatchi. Television commercials are on the rise, and pet
supplies stores have been given special in-store coupons specifically
for Iam's customers, as well as sending representatives to stores to
train employees of P&G's goals for Iams, as well as the benefits of the
foods.
And for the first time ever, Iams and Eukanuba dog and
cat foods will become available in grocery stores. Though the price will
remain quite high as compared to store brands, P&G is confident in
higher sales.
With this expansion of Iams, P&G has also marketed their
other products in pet supplies stores, such as the much debated Febreeze,
and Swifter, a tile "broom" for hair removal.
P&G is treading on our territory. They have bought out
the leading dog and cat food company, knowing full well that many
companion animal guardians are Iams' customers. They have us locked in a
corner: If we boycott Iams and Eukanuba foods, our animals will suffer.
But we will not let this be a victory for P&G. Instead,
we shall show them that they cannot beat our spirit. Letters and calls
of disapproval must be sent to P&G and Iams, as well as pet supplies
stores supplying P&G's products. We must tell merchants why we are
upset. We must tell Iam's that we are disappointed that a company that
boasts caring for animals would be bought out by the world's leading
animal-testing company.
Procter & Gamble might have Iams now. To change that,
let your voice be heard.
http://www.pg.com/cgi-bin/cgiCareers/pgnews/bin/list.cgi
http://www.pg.com/about/overview/facts.htm
P&G Contacts: Don Tassone -- (513) 945-8170 Linda Ulrey
(513) 983-8975
Iams Contact: Bryan Brown 937/264-7416
The Procter & Gamble Company
PO Box 599
Cincinnati, OH 45201
The Iams Company
7250 Poe Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45414
Phone: (800) 525-4267 - Fax: (937) 264-7264
Go on to Song For Baby
Ruth
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