A decision is expected soon from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on its review of the Reynolds American and Lorillard merger. Several media reports have speculated that the staff of the FTC is recommending a lawsuit to block the merger, although it is possible the FTC commissioners could overrule the staff.
The FTC has spent months examining Reynolds American’s $27 billion planned acquisition of Lorillard, a deal announced in July. The companies are the second and third largest U.S. cigarette makers, respectively, behind only Altria Group. The merger would unite cigarette brands Camel and Newport under one house. Recently, both companies sold brands to Britain-based Imperial Tobacco Group.
