P&G Is Still Willing to Make a Deal

With reports that Procter & Gamble is making a bid for Sara Lee’s household products business, P&G’s chief financial officer told analysts that the company is interested in all deals large and small.

Jon Moeller, the Cincinnati-based company’s CFO, Friday told analysts in New York that the maker of Tide detergent, Olay skin cream and Vicks medicines could pursue additions to its household brands, beauty products, or personal health care lines.

“We’re not constrained by size,” he said, but added that any deal would have to be able to clear regulatory hurdles and must have a willing partner because P&G won’t pursue hostile takeovers.

Since a blockbuster $57 billion acquisition of the Gillette Co. in 2005, P&G’s buying has been of relatively small businesses such as this year’s purchases of the men’s skin care line Zirh and grooming business The Art of Shaving.

Meanwhile, it has sold off its prescription drug business, Folgers coffee, and some smaller brands.

Moeller didn’t rule out more sales but wouldn’t elaborate. Analysts think P&G is interested in selling off its Pringles snacks, Duracell batteries or Braun electrical appliances brands.