Republic Technologies to acquire Swedish Match UK..

November 5, 2008 - Republic Technologies International, headquartered in Perpignan, France, has announced the pending acquisition of Swedish Match UK. In the transaction included are the businesses of smoking papers and filters, the Swan brand, and the distribution of lighters, matches and fire products. Swan has been a market leader in the hand rolling cigarette market manufacturing a range of high quality filter tips, cigarette papers, and lighters. Republic Technologies International is a member of the Republic group and manufacturer and distributor of smoking accessories worldwide.

The transaction is subject to U.K. Office of Fair Trading approval. “This is a great move in what we believe is the right direction,” says Philippe Parcevaux, president of Republic Technologies International.

The Republic Group also includes TOP Tobacco L.P., the U.S.’s largest RYO tobacco manufacturer located in North Carolina (TOP¨ and Drum¨ brands); and Republic Tobacco L.P., the U.S. headquarters, distribution and marketing arm based in Glenview, IL. (Republic Group’s Acquisitiontobonline.com News & Trends March/April 2004.)

Reference: Republic Technologies acquires Swedish Match UK, Source from:tobaccojournal.com, 11/04/2008