RJR Looks to Boost Plant Production; FTC Meets to Discuss Merger

Source from:  tobaccoreporter.com 06/23/2004

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (RJR) has applied for a revised air-quality permit for its Whitaker Park facility in Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. RJR is preparing to increase production at the plant once its merger with Brown & Williamson is approved. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials are scheduled to meet today to discuss the proposed merger. The FTC has until Thursday afternoon to decide if it will block the transaction. Some staff lawyers at the FTC have opposed the merger, alleging it would give RJR and rival Philip Morris too much control of the U.S. market. Enditem