Imperial Tobacco reportedly considering a deal to buy assets that are likely to be sold by Reynolds American and Lorillard if those two companies go ahead with a proposed merger

Nevin Barich

LONDON , June 12, 2014 (Alliance News) – Imperial Tobacco Group PLC is considering a deal to buy assets that are likely to be sold by US tobacco companies Reynolds American Inc and Lorillard Inc if they go ahead with a proposed merger, Reuters reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The two US tobacco companies are in advanced talks about a deal and have discussed selling some brands to address antitrust concerns, the report said.

The assets that potentially will be sold are expected to be significant, and the two companies might line up a buyer before finalising the merger.

The report said that, were Imperial to pick up the assets, it would give it additional scale in the competitive, declining US tobacco market which is dominated by Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/11/us-imperial-divestiture-idUKKBN0EM2TP20140611

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