Swedish Match acquires Cigars International Inc. in the U.S.
Cigars International, headquartered in Bath, Pennsylvania, utilizes a coordinated multi-channel direct marketing strategy, which includes catalogs, e-mail programs, two retail outlets, fulfillment and wholesale distribution and an internet presence through its www.cigarsinternational.com, and www.cigarbid.com websites. The company features an attractive product mix including Macanudo, Romeo y Julieta, and Arturo Fuente, among many others, and complements them with a strong mix of proprietary branded cigars and cigars sold exclusively by Cigars International.
“We are very pleased about the growth opportunities that this transaction represents,” said Sven Hindrikes, President and CEO of Swedish Match AB. “The Cigars International business provide Swedish Match with a new marketing channel in the fast growing direct marketing segment. The immediate access to an extensive customer base allows Swedish Match to actively compete and gain a strong position in the U.S. direct marketing premium cigar segment and expand our portfolio of products in the global premium cigar market.”
In this transaction, Keith Meier, founder and CEO of Cigars International, and John De Marco, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cigars International, will continue in their roles, and the company will be operated as a complementary business to Swedish Match AB’s existing U.S. operations, Swedish Match North America and General Cigar Holdings.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close during the third quarter 2007. Terms of the proposed transaction have not been disclosed.
Swedish Match is a global Group of companies with a broad assortment of market-leading brands in smokeless tobacco products, cigars, pipe tobacco and lights products. The Group’s global operations generated sales of 12,470 MSEK for the twelve month period ending June 30, 2007. Swedish Match shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm (SWMA).
Swedish Match AB (publ), SE-118 85 Stockholm
Visiting address: Rosenlundsgatan 36, Telephone: +46 8 658 02 00
Corporate Identity Number: 556015-0756
www.swedishmatch.com
For further information, please contact:
Sven Hindrikes, President and Chief Executive Officer
Office +46 8 658 02 82, Mobile +46 70 567 41 76
Lars Dahlgren, Chief Financial Officer
Office +46 8 658 04 41, Mobile +46 70 958 04 41
Lennart Freeman, Executive Vice President and President North America Division
Office +1 804 302 1778, Mobile +1 804 400 7015
Henrik Brehmer, Senior Vice President Corp. Communications
Office +46 8 658 04 52, Mobile +46 76 111 34 14
Emmett Harrison, Vice President, Investor Relations
Mobile +46 70 938 01 73
