Value and volume soars for Imperial

摘要

Altria, parent of Philip Morris USA, has completed the purchase of US Smokeless Tobacco Co (UST) for around US$11.7bn. The deal includes Altria taking on approximately US$1.3bn of debt.rnShareholders of UST common stock will receive US$69.50 per share for each share held on January 6.rnThe purchase brings UST into the Altria family which, as well as Philip Morris USA, the country's largest tobacco manufacturer, also includes cigar and pipe tobacco maker John Middleton. Altria's offer received the backing of "an overwhelming majority of shareholders," according to UST Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Murray Kessler who described the bid as "clearly in the best interests of shareholders."