According to many analysts, Procter & Gamble's landmark acquisition of Gillette will not only reinforce P&G's status as the greatest consumer products company in the world, it may change the way in which companies market men's grooming supplies.

With the acquisition of Gillette, P&G will be better able to achieve its goal of providing goods for the entire household. Historically, P&G has been strong in women's personal care while Gillette's strengths are in male grooming. The $57 billion acquisition will help to make P&G the front-runner in the nearly $5.5 billion U.S. men's grooming market.

Independently, each firm already has its share of leading brands. P&G's product line includes top performers like Crest toothpaste, Tide, Pampers and Head & Shoulders shampoo. Gillette is primarily known for its signature razors, but the company also markets Duracell batteries, Braun, and Oral-B brands dental care products. With Gillette's innovation pipeline and P&G's unlimited resources, the merger is likely to strengthen existing brands and produce new winners--an inevitability that is certain to shave profits off the competition.