Imperial selects Greensboro for U.S. operations

Imperial Tobacco Group has selected Greensboro, North Carolina, as the location of the new company it is forming from its existing business in the United States and the announced acquisition of brands and assets resulting from the Reynolds American and Lorillard transaction. The transaction is subject to approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the companies’ respective shareholders.

The acquisition will make Imperial the third largest tobacco company in the U.S. with a 10 percent share of the cigarette market.

Following consummation of the acquired brands and assets, the new company will be based at Lorillard’s current headquarters, 714 Green Valley Road in Greensboro. The headquarters will be home to Lorillard employees and a number of Commonwealth-Altadis employees who will relocate from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Imperial Tobacco also has a number of employees at its factory in Reidsville.

In a statement, Imperial said, “It makes the most sense to make the headquarters of the new company in Greensboro, in a building we will own outright when the transaction is completed. This wonderful facility is in the heart of tobacco country, near our factories and has the infrastructure to accommodate the enlarged business. We are discussing relocation with our employees in Fort Lauderdale and when we are in a position to give further updates on the transaction, we will.”