Israeli electronic cigarettes company Green Smoke will be sold to Altria Group (NYSE: MO) unit Nu Mark LLC for approximately $110 million in cash, subject to closing adjustments, and up to $20 million in incentive payments.
“Nu Mark's entry into the e-vapor category with its MarkTen product was an important development in Altria's innovation strategy. Adding Green Smoke's significant e-vapor expertise and experience, along with its supply chain, product lines and customer service, will complement Nu Mark's capabilities and enhance its competitive position,” said Altria chairman and CEO Marty Barrington. “Further, Green Smoke's culture of innovation and history of producing high-quality products are consistent with Altria's culture," he said.
Green Smoke was founded in 2008 and has operations in the US and Israel. Green Smoke has sold e-vapor products since 2009 and its revenues for 2013 were approximately $40 million. Green Smoke sells premium products, with most of its sales in the US. Its product lines, which are sold under the Green Smoke e-vapor brand, include both rechargeable and disposable versions.
The agreement contains provisions to retain key management infrastructure and talent. Subject to closing conditions, Nu Mark anticipates that the transaction will be completed in the second quarter of 2014.
"We are very pleased to be joining the Altria family of companies,” said Robert Levitz, Green Smoke's CEO. “We are dedicated to innovation and believe joining Nu Mark will help us deepen that expertise and create new opportunities for our customers, our employees and our products."
Altria directly or indirectly owns 100% of each of Philip Morris USA Inc, US Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC, John Middleton Co., Nu Mark, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd. and Philip Morris Capital Corporation.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 3, 2014
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