What Companies Does Altria Own?

Altria Group Inc. is a tobacco company that owns several subsidiaries and has a diverse portfolio of holdings and investments. While tobacco products still make up the majority of Altria’s revenue, the company has made efforts to diversify its business in recent years. Some of the notable companies and brands owned by Altria include UST LLC, a smokeless tobacco producer; Cronos Group Inc., a cannabis producer; Juul Labs Inc., an electronic cigarette company; John Middleton Co., a cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturer; and Burger Söhne Holding AG, a nicotine pouch producer. These acquisitions and investments demonstrate Altria’s strategy of expanding into related markets and exploring new product categories.

Key Takeaways:

• Altria owns several subsidiaries and has a diverse portfolio of holdings and investments.
• Notable companies and brands owned by Altria include UST LLC, Cronos Group Inc., Juul Labs Inc., John Middleton Co., and Burger Söhne Holding AG.
• Altria’s acquisitions and investments demonstrate its strategy of expanding into related markets.

Altria’s Subsidiaries: UST LLC and John Middleton Co.

Altria Group Inc. owns several subsidiaries, each specializing in different areas of the tobacco industry. Two notable subsidiaries of Altria are UST LLC and John Middleton Co. UST LLC is a leading smokeless tobacco producer, while John Middleton Co. is a manufacturer of cigars and pipe tobacco.

UST LLC: The U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company

Altria acquired UST LLC in 2009 for $10.4 billion, gaining ownership of the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company. This subsidiary is responsible for producing popular smokeless tobacco brands such as Copenhagen and Skoal. With this acquisition, Altria expanded its presence in the growing smokeless tobacco market.

John Middleton Co.: Fine Cigars and Pipe Tobacco

Altria’s subsidiary, John Middleton Co., specializes in manufacturing high-quality cigars and pipe tobacco. This subsidiary has a rich history and is known for producing renowned brands like Black & Mild. Through John Middleton Co., Altria caters to the cigar and pipe tobacco enthusiasts.

These subsidiaries reflect Altria’s strategy of diversifying its tobacco-related business. By owning UST LLC and John Middleton Co., Altria not only maintains its presence in the traditional cigarette market but also expands into the smokeless tobacco and cigar industries.

Altria Subsidiary	Main Product Categories	Notable Brands
UST LLC	Smokeless tobacco	Copenhagen, Skoal
John Middleton Co.	Cigars and pipe tobacco	Black & Mild

Altria’s Acquisitions: Cronos Group Inc. and Juul Labs Inc.

As part of its strategy to diversify its portfolio, Altria has made strategic acquisitions in emerging industries beyond traditional tobacco products. Two notable acquisitions are Cronos Group Inc., a Canadian cannabis producer, and Juul Labs Inc., an electronic cigarette company.

Cronos Group Inc.: Cannabis Producer

In 2018, Altria announced its intention to acquire a 45% equity stake in Cronos Group for $1.8 billion, marking its entry into the cannabis market. As a leading producer of cannabis, Cronos Group operates globally and focuses on both medicinal and recreational cannabis products. Altria’s investment in Cronos Group showcases its commitment to exploring new opportunities in the evolving cannabis industry.

Juul Labs Inc.: Electronic Cigarette Company

Altria also acquired a significant stake in Juul Labs Inc., an industry leader in the electronic cigarette market. In 2018, Altria invested $12.8 billion for a 35% stake in Juul Labs, valuing the company at $38 billion. The investment allowed Altria to establish a presence in the rapidly growing e-cigarette industry and capitalize on the increasing demand for alternative nicotine products.

By acquiring Cronos Group and investing in Juul Labs, Altria has positioned itself strategically in two emerging industries. These acquisitions demonstrate the company’s commitment to expanding its portfolio and exploring new product categories beyond traditional tobacco. As Altria continues to evolve its business, these acquisitions play a vital role in shaping its future growth and success.

Acquisition	Company	Industry	Investment
Cronos Group Inc.	Cannabis producer	Cannabis	$1.8 billion
Juul Labs Inc.	Electronic cigarette company	E-cigarettes	$12.8 billion

Altria’s Investment: Burger Söhne Holding AG

Altria Group Inc. continues to demonstrate its commitment to diversifying its business by making strategic investments in companies operating in related markets. One notable investment is in Burger Söhne Holding AG, a leading Swiss nicotine pouch producer. In 2019, Altria acquired an 80% stake in Burger Söhne Holding AG, investing a total of $372 million. This move allowed Altria to enter the rapidly growing market for nicotine pouches, which are gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco products.

With its investment in Burger Söhne Holding AG, Altria formed a subsidiary named Helix Innovations LLC to oversee the operations of Burger Söhne Holding AG’s subsidiaries involved in the production of nicotine pouches. By leveraging its extensive resources and industry expertise, Altria is poised to capitalize on the increasing demand for reduced-risk products.

The investment in Burger Söhne Holding AG aligns with Altria’s strategy of exploring new product categories and expanding into related markets. By diversifying its portfolio and exploring innovative alternatives, Altria remains at the forefront of the evolving tobacco industry landscape, addressing changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.