RICHMOND, Va. -- Mac Baren Tobacco Co., a 125-year-old pipe tobacco company based in Denmark, has reached an agreement with Altadis USA to purchase the company's pipe tobacco division located in Richmond, Va.
The acquired pipe business will operate under its original name, Sutliff Tobacco Co., which was founded in San Francisco 1849, making it one of the oldest pipe tobacco companies in the United States. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this spring.
For Altadis USA and its service company, Commonwealth-Altadis Inc., a unit of international Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, the move allows the company to focus on its strategic core cigarette and cigar businesses.
"This acquisition continues to build on Mac Baren Tobacco Co.'s considerable reputation as a world leader in the pipe tobacco industry," said Paul Creasy, current general manager, who will continue to lead the business as president.
"I am also pleased to announce that Sutliff Tobacco Co. will continue to manufacture pipe tobacco at its Perdue Avenue factory in Richmond." Sutliff has been manufacturing in Richmond since 1953. It began manufacturing its flagship brand, Mixture 79, in 1933.
"This is a perfect strategic fit for both Mac Baren and Sutlilff," Creasy said.
Sutliff Tobacco will import and distribute Mac Baren products in the Western Hemisphere. "This acquisition will not only strengthen the pipe tobacco portfolio of Sutliff Tobacco, but also will bring to the U.S. market Mac Baren Tobacco Co.'s significant knowledge and expertise, strength, commitment and leadership in pipe tobacco," he said.
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