The Bristol-headquartered business is looking to expand its range of products amid a decline in cigarette smoking
Cigarette maker Imperial Brands has acquired a US-based tobacco alternative business in a deal it said would boost its growth strategy. The Bristol-headquartered producer of Golden Virginia paid an initial consideration of $150m for Black Buffalo, it said on Wednesday, with an extra deferred sum based on performance over three years to be made at a later date.
Black Buffalo was established in 2015 and makes oral products such as pouches that aim to replicate the taste and ritual of traditional tobacco without using the leaf or stem.
The Chicago-headquartered company uses a farm-to-can process and manufactures its products in North Carolina from US-grown barn-cured leafy greens, with nicotine and flavourings added.
Imperial said the US firm offered “a differentiated experience and appeals to different consumers” compared to Zone – its own US range of flavoured nicotine pouches.
Lukas Paravicini, chief executive of Imperial Brands, said: “This acquisition reflects our disciplined and focused approach to building a stronger next generation product portfolio in markets where we see attractive long-term growth opportunities. Black Buffalo is a strong, challenger brand with a highly differentiated proposition and complements our broader growth strategy.”
The Black Buffalo team join the Imperial Brands team as part of the transaction.
Mark Hanson, co-founder and president of Black Buffalo, added: “Black Buffalo was built on innovation, deep consumer insights and a commitment to differentiated alternatives for adult consumers. We are excited about the opportunity with our new colleagues to combine our brand and product expertise with their scale, resources and commercial capabilities.”
Imperial Brands was advised on this transaction by Morgan Stanley, KPMG and White & Case. Black Buffalo was advised by Goldman Sachs and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.
The announcement comes as Imperial looks to focus on tobacco-free and alternative products as smoking rates continue to decline. The company confirmed on Wednesday it remained “committed” to an ongoing multi-year share buyback programme.
Earlier in May, Imperial warned a protracted conflict in the Middle East could impact input costs and consumer demand, including duty free, but reiterated its guidance for the financial year.




You must be logged in to post a comment Login