PMI And Imperial to Co-Operate in Mexico

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 03/12/2010

Philip Morris International and the Imperial Tobacco Group said today they had entered into a long-term agreement for the licensed manufacture and commercialization of Imperial's brands in Mexico. Imperial currently imports and distributes its West and Davidoff brands in Mexico, but from May Philip Morris Mexico (PMM) will manufacture West in Mexico and will procure Davidoff from Imperial's US affiliate, Commonwealth Brands. From June, PMM will market and distribute both brands throughout the country. "We are very pleased to have entered into this license agreement with Imperial," said Miroslaw Zielinski, president of PMI's Latin America & Canada Region. "This is a very important step for PMI and we are committed to building on this opportunity in the future. "The agreement will benefit both companies and allows Philip Morris Mexico to complement its portfolio by adding two quality brands, Davidoff and West, to the product range it offers to adult smokers." Meanwhile, Graham Bolt, Imperial's regional director, the Americas, said Imperial was pleased that the agreement allowed it to initiate a co-operation in Mexico. "We are confident that Philip Morris Mexico's strong manufacturing capabilities and the strength of their extensive distribution network will continue to provide adult smokers throughout the country with the high quality Imperial products they have come to expect," he said. "We look forward to this new partnership and continuing to build our brands in Mexico." Enditem