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What Companies Does Altria Own?
The multinational company Altria changed its name in 2004 from Philip Morris USA, a name closely associated with tobacco. The Altria group still owns the Philip Morris company, along with several other tobacco and alcohol companies. Altria previously owned Kraft Foods, but this arm was spun off in 2007. The corporate parent’s headquarters is in Virginia.
Philip Morris USA
Philip Morris is the largest tobacco company in the United States, and it is more than 150 years old. It controls about half the tobacco market in this country, and its biggest brand is Marlboro. Other brand names include Chesterfield, Parliament and Virginia Slims. Its domestic production hub is in Richmond, Virginia.
Philip Morris Capital Corporation
Philip Morris Capital Corporation is Altria’s financial services provider, based in Stamford, Connecticut. It includes leveraged and direct-finance leases in its portfolio, and provides lease financing for assets as diverse as aircraft, real estate and power generation equipment.
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company
This company produces and markets snuff and chewing tobacco. Smokeless tobacco has become the fastest-growing U.S. market segment for tobacco as cigarette sales continue to decline. U.S. Smokeless’ brands include Copenhagen and Skoal as well as Red Seal and Husky.
John Middleton
John Middleton is a cigar and pipe-tobacco maker. The company’s focus is on machine-made large cigars, and its most famous brand is Black & Mild, which as of 2010 is the second-biggest selling cigar brand in the United States. Its pipe tobacco brands include Prince Albert, Kentucky Club and Carter Hall.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
This premium wine producer sells vintages made in Washington, Oregon and California. It is among the top 10 makers of premium wines in the United States. Some of its labels include Stag’s Leap, Conn Creek, Snoqualmie and Columbia Crest.
SABMiller
SABMiller is the world’s second-largest brewing company after Budweiser. While it is not a wholly owned subsidiary of Altria, the company does hold a voting interest in SABMiller and owns just more than a quarter of the company. SABMiller was formed in 2002 by the merger of Miller, which at the time was wholly owned by Philip Morris, and South African Breweries.
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