Colgate Reconfirms External Earnings Expectations in Conjunction with Merrill Lynch Conference New York, New York, February 26, 2001 ... Colgate-Palmolive Chairman and CEO Reuben Mark will present on Tuesday, February 27, at the Merrill Lynch Global Branded Consumer Products Conference. In conjunction with tomorrow’s presentation, Colgate-Palmolive today reconfirmed external estimates for first quarter and year 2001 earnings. Mr. Mark is expected to discuss the Company's performance and why strong good quality growth will continue.

Investors may access a live webcast of this presentation on Colgate's internet site at www.colgatepalmolive.com on Tuesday, February 27, at 1:05 p.m. EST.

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Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Household Surface Care, Fabric Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Suavitel and Fab, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. For more information about Colgate's global business, visit the Company's web site on the Internet at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com.

This press release (other than historical information) contains forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those statements. Investors should consult the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the Company's Form 8-K dated November 13, 1998) for information about factors that could cause such differences. Copies of these filings may be obtained upon request from the Company's Investor Relations Department.