Spin-offs Case Study

Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris International: The Spin-off Decision

OR

Abstract:
The world's largest tobacco giant, Altria, plans to spin off its international tobacco division, Philip Morris International (PMI) by March 2008. The company will thereby operate from its headquarters in Switzerland. The spin-off was planned because of tobacco litigations and anti-tobacco groups in US, and dwindling smoking population there. While the company is optimistic about the growth opportunities after the spin-off, health groups all over the world are concerned over the company's public health commitments.

Pedagogical Objectives:

The case study can help the students understand:
• Spin-off, its significance, merits and demerits
• Why PMI is going for a spin-off
• The sustainability of an independent PMI

Keywords : Philip Morris; Marlboro; Mergers,Acquisitions,Alliances Case Study; tobacco industry; Anti-smoking campaigns; Corporate image; The Altria Group; Tobacco lawsuits; Spin-off; Diversification Strategies

Contents : 
Spin-offs: Good or Bad for Companies?
PMI: Problems Leading to Spin-off
Cigarette Consumption in Western and Emerging Economies
The Spin-off and its Future
Global Demands to Address the Global Public Health Impact of Altria's Future
Philip Morris’ Position on Tobacco-related Issues