Altria completes Kraft Foods spin-off..

March 30, 2007 - Altria completes Kraft Foods spin-off.. The Board of Directors of Altria Group, Inc. voted on January 31, 2007, to authorize the spin off of all shares of Kraft Foods Inc. owned by Altria to Altria's shareholders. The distribution of the approximately 88.9% of Kraft's outstanding shares owned by Altria was made on March 30, 2007, to Altria shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m Eastern Time on March 16, 2007. Altria's plan to unload Kraft is part of a long-term restructuring plan that may ultimately split the domestic and international tobacco businesses into two companies. The idea behind such a move is that Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris International would no longer be constrained by the other. That would allow Philip Morris USA to expand outside of the nation's borders into more lucrative markets. And Philip Morris International would no longer be dragged down by the messy problems associated with smoking in the United States, from diminished demand to government intervention. ( "Sale of Kraft Foods will allow Altria to focus on tobacco" by Andrew Martin, International Herald Tribune, 3/30/3007) "For years, Philip Morris/Altria has disguised Big Tobacco's political contributions and lobbying behind Kraft Foods. This breakup will really decrease its political cover," explains Executive Director Kathryn Mulvey - Corporate Accountability International (CAI). For example, in 1995 the corporation mobilized its Oscar Mayer employees to lobby the federal government against tobacco regulations. ( "IMPENDING KRAFT SPLIT FROM PHILIP MORRIS/ALTRIA SEEN AS VICTORY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH" After Twenty Years Trying to Fool Consumers Tobacco Giant Prepares for Dramatic Shift, Bryan Hirsch (617) 784-4753 and Patti Lynn (617) 695-2525, CAI, 4/25/2006)
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By law, oral snuff cannot (but nasal snuff is allowed) be sold in New Zealand and can be imported only for personal use.

March 29, 2007 - By law, oral snuff cannot (but nasal snuff is allowed) be sold in New Zealand and can be imported only for personal use. A Ministry of Health-commissioned review of the health effects of Swedish snus aims to inform the debate about whether snus and similar products have a role in reducing tobacco related harm in New Zealand. The review confirms that snus carries a considerably lower risk of harm than smoked tobacco, but that there are still many unanswered questions about its long term safety and the role it might play - if any - in reducing smoking. Most experts agree that complete cessation is the best outcome for smokers. The Ministry of Health is not reviewing the legal status of modified smokeless tobacco products and does not plan to in the near future. (New Zealand - Review of the health effects of Swedish Snus released, New-Medical.net)

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Des Moines: Iowa's cigarette tax is now $1.36 per pack, following a jubilant bill-signing ceremony Thursday morning (3/15/2007).

March 18, 2007 - Des Moines: Iowa's cigarette tax is now $1.36 per pack, following a jubilant bill-signing ceremony Thursday morning (3/15/2007). Gov. Chet Culver signed the bill that raises the tax $1 and also boosts the tax for other tobacco products. The governor cited an estimate that 20,000 Iowans would stop smoking because ofthe higher cost and 40,000 young Iowans would never pick up the habit. Culver said the proceeds from the tax increase will be used to expand access to health insurance and defray some of the taxpayer-covered cost of smoking-related illnesses. The tax will give the state an extra $129.4 million in the fiscal year that begins in July. The 36 cent tax was 42nd highest in the nation. The $1.36 tax (took effect immediately on the wholesale level) is 17th in the nation. The last time Iowa raised its cigarette tax was in 1991, when the tax went from 31 to 36 cents (by Dan Gearino, Sioux City Journal.com)

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For your pet's sake, keep your home and car tobacco-free.

March 10, 2007 - For your pet's sake, keep your home and car tobacco-free. Your pet can develop respiratory infections, lung inflammation or asthma when breathing second-hand smoke. Discarded tobacco litter like cigarette butts and used snus (moist snuff) pouches can be eaten by your pet and could cause a life-threatening reaction and even death. Take the pledge and keep your home tobacco-free.

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Philip Morris acquires Pakistan's Lakson Tobacco..

March 10, 2007 - Philip Morris acquires Pakistan's Lakson Tobacco.. Philip Morris International (PMI) on Friday completed the acquisition of a 50.21 percent stake in Pakistan's Lakson Tobacco Co. Ltd. (LAKT.KA: Quote, Profile, Research) for about $340 million, the U.S. tobacco giant said in a statement. PMI, which now holds around 97.62 percent shares in Lakson, agreed in January to acquire the stake in Pakistan's second largest tobacco firm at 666.89 rupees a share. "This acquisition combines PMI's international expertise and global brand portfolio with Lakson Tobacco's local knowledge and strong brand," the company said. (Philip Morris acquires Pakistan's Lakson Tobacco, 3/9/2007)

Lakson Tobacco is Pakistan's second largest tobacco company, with an estimated cigarette volume of 29.8 billion units in fiscal year, ending 30 June, 2006, generating net revenues of approximately USD160.5 million. Its EBITDA was USD 46.1 million in 2006 and the Company held an estimated 47% share of the growing 63 billion-unit Pakistan cigarette market. Morven Gold is the leading brand in the market with an estimated 37% market share, complemented by Diplomat and Royals. Additionally, Lakson Tobacco is the licensed manufacturer of PMI's Marlboro and Red & White brands in Pakistan. PMI will acquire an additional 50.21% stake in Lakson Tobacco,EdgarOnline, 3/2007)

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