WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., an indirect subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., has signed a definitive vapor technology-sharing and licensing agreement with Nicoventures Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of British American Tobacco Plc (BAT).
The companies in September signed a term sheet providing a framework for collaboration and mutual cross-licensing of vapor product technologies through 2022. Under the agreement, R.J. Reynolds and Nicoventures will collaborate to develop next-generation vapor products. This collaboration includes a process for joint research and development (R&D) activities, and cooperation on regulatory, scientific and manufacturing issues related to vapor products.
“This is a great opportunity for the companies to continue to seek innovation in the vapor category, giving adult tobacco consumers more smoke-free options to consider,” said Debra Crew, R.J. Reynolds’ president and COO.
"This is an important milestone for BAT,” said Kingsley Wheaton, BAT's managing director of next-generation products. “This agreement should provide a strong platform to meet the demands of consumers today and in the future.”
Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds American Inc. is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. Inc.; American Snuff Co. LLC; Niconovum USA Inc.; Niconovum AB; and R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co.
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco's brands include Newport, Camel and Pall Mall cigarettes; American Snuff's brands include Grizzly and Kodiak smokeless tobacco products; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco manufactures and markets Natural American Spirit 100% additive-free natural tobacco products, including styles made with organic tobacco; Niconovum USA and Niconovum AB market nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively, under the Zonnic brand name; and R.J. Reynolds Vapor manufactures and markets Vuse electronic cigarettes.
Based in London, BAT is a global tobacco group with more than 200 brands sold in more than 200 markets.
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