B.A.T. Industries p.l.c., et al.; Proposed Consent Agreement With Analysis To Aid Public Comment

Résumé

In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair acts and practices and unfair methods of competition, this consent agreement, accepted subject to final Commission approval, would permit, among other things, B.A.T Industries and Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation to consummate the proposed acquisition of American Tobacco Company, but would require them to divest, within twelve months, six American Tobacco discount cigarette brands. If the required divestitures are not completed on time, the consent agreement would permit the Commission to appoint a trustee to complete the transactions. In addition, the consent agreement would require the respondents, for ten years, to obtain Commission approval before acquiring any interest in a cigarette manufacturer or any assets used to manufacture or distribute cigarettes in the United States.