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Philip Morris Int'l (PM) to Acquire Swedish Match South Africa for $222M

July 2, 2009 7:27 AM EDT
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) announced today that the company has entered into an agreement with Swedish Match AB to purchase its South African affiliate, Swedish Match South Africa (Proprietary) Limited for ZAR 1.75 billion (approximately $222 million).

SMSA is the market leader in the South African pipe tobacco and snuff categories, which represent an estimated 31% of total tobacco consumption. In 2008, SMSA reported net revenues of ZAR 687 million. Its principal brands include Boxer, Best Blend and Taxi.

"This financially attractive acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for our business in South Africa," said Jean-Claude Kunz, President of PMI's Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa Region. "We firmly believe that merging the two businesses will provide us with the talent, infrastructure and expertise to further build and grow our portfolio of strong brands in this important market."

The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant South African regulatory authorities and is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter 2009. It is anticipated that the acquisition will be immediately marginally accretive to PMI's earnings per share.

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