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US: FTC probes Altria for role in Juul executive changes

By  |  October 31, 2019

US antitrust enforcers are probing Altria Group Inc for potentially exerting influence over electronic-cigarette maker Juul Labs Inc before winning approval for a big share buy, Altria said in a government filing on Thursday.

Marlboro maker Altria purchased a 35% stake in Juul in December 2018 for $12.8 billion, but the shares are non-voting and the companies have not yet received antitrust approval for the transaction.

Prior to antitrust approval, it is illegal for companies involved in mergers or similar transactions to coordinate in many areas.

Full Content: Reuters, Reuters

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