Philip Morris buys 23% Vectura stake ahead of contentious vote on deal

(Alliance News) - Philip Morris International Inc on Wednesday said it has bought a 23% stake in ...

Alliance News 18 August, 2021 | 9:27AM
Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

(Alliance News) - Philip Morris International Inc on Wednesday said it has bought a 23% stake in Vectura Group PLC in market purchases, ahead of a vote by Vectura shareholders on whether to approve the tobacco firm's controversial takeover.

Lausanne, Switzerland-based Philip Morris bought the shares for 165 pence each - the price it agreed to pay for Vectura - and plans to buy more, appealing for institutional shareholders to sell their stakes.

Shares in Vectura were up 0.4% to 164.60 pence in London on Wednesday morning.

Philip Morris agreed to buy Vectura, which makes inhalers for pharmaceutical firms for GBP1.02 billion after a bidding war with private equity firm Carlyle. The Marlboro cigarette maker said the acquisition fits its "natural evolution into a broader healthcare and wellness company."

But the deal is controversial, with charities Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation calling for Vectura shareholders to reject it. "Tobacco companies should not profit from treating the illnesses their products cause," they said in an open letter published on Wednesday.

By Ivan Edwards; ivanedwards@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Vectura Group PLC
Philip Morris International Inc 96.09 USD -2.96

About Author

Alliance News

Alliance News provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures