Altria's Proposed Acquisition of UST Passes U.S. Regulatory Review..

October 18, 2008 - Altria Group Inc.^** and UST, INC. today (10/17/2008) announced that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the initial waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Therefore no further regulatory review by the federal antitrust authorities is required in connection with Altria's acquisition of UST for $69.50 per share in cash.

Completion of the transaction remains subject to UST shareholder approval and certain other customary closing conditions. If approved and all other conditions to closing are satisfied the transaction is anticipated to close no later than January 7, 2009.

Reference: Altria's Proposed Acquisition of UST Passes U.S. Regulatory Review,
Business Wire, 10/.17/2008.

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** - Altria owns approximately 28.5% of SABMiller (South African Breweries - Miller) plc.