More than a Century of Innovation and Growth
In 1869, Dr. Charles Browne Fleet opened a small, family owned pharmacy in Lynchburg, Virginia. His goal was to provide people with easy-to-use, innovative personal health and beauty care products. Developing his own medicines, balms and salves in his storefront, it was Fleet who also invented the first laxative — and since that time, the company has continued our founder’s commitment to innovation in the personal healthcare industry.
After more than 130 years in business, C.B. Fleet now leads the personal healthcare industry, ranking among the top non-prescription drug companies in the United States, and earning the trust of consumers and healthcare professionals around the world.
Timeline:
1869
Fleet Pharmacy is established to serve the local community of Lynchburg, Virginia. Dr. Charles Browne Fleet develops his own medicines and healthcare products in this hometown, corner pharmacy.
1893
First Fleet® laxative is developed in an effort to improve bowel health.
1953
First Fleet® disposable, small-volume enema is introduced for greater convenience and ease of use.
1972
First Summer’s Eve® disposable douche is introduced, to address specific women’s health needs.
1983
Norforms® feminine deodorant suppositories are acquired as C.B. Fleet works to expand its line of women’s products.
1990
C.B. Fleet acquires E.C. DeWitt in its effort to continue growth in the European market by offering a wide range of oral care, skin care, feminine care and other products.
1992
Witch™ skin care products are acquired, further increasing C.B. Fleet’s reach in the European market. The product line includes special facial cleansers made with witch hazel, an ingredient long-trusted for both its cleansing and soothing properties.
1994
C.B. Fleet acquires Bergamon, a European maker of feminine hygiene and skin care lines.
1996
C.B. Fleet acquires Casen®. Under the name Casen-Fleet, the company distributes health and beauty products throughout Spain.
2004
C.B. Fleet subsidiary, De Witt, acquires T-Zone® skin care products, which are specially formulated to treat acne in both youth and adults.
2005
C.B. Fleet purchases Swedish pharmaceutical company, CCS, a leading supplier of pharmaceutical and personal care products that are popular in the Swedish market.
2006
C.B. Fleet sells Bergamon.
2008
In 2008, Fleet introduced Pedia-Lax®, the first complete line of laxatives made just for kids. The line includes 3 oral products – Pedia-Lax Chewable Tablets, Pedia-Lax Quick Dissolve Strips and Pedia-Lax Stool Softener, and 3 rectal products – Pedia-Lax Enema, Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, and Pedia-Lax Glycerin Suppositories.
2009
Fleet introduced Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies, a daily fiber supplement for kids ages 2-11.