Form 8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 1, 2007

ALTRIA GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Virginia   1-8940   13-3260245
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
120 Park Avenue, New York, New York     10017-5592
(Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (917) 663-4000

  


(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 



Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On November 1, 2007, Altria Group, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of John Middleton, Inc., a leading manufacturer of machine-made large cigars, from privately held Bradford Holdings for $2.9 billion in cash. The net cost of the acquisition, after deducting approximately $700 million in present value tax benefits arising from the terms of the transaction, is $2.2 billion. The transaction is subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

A copy of this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

99.1    Altria Group, Inc. Press Release dated November 1, 2007.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

ALTRIA GROUP, INC.
By:   

/s/ G. PENN HOLSENBECK

 

  Name:    G. Penn Holsenbeck
  Title:   

Vice President, Associate General

Counsel and Corporate Secretary

DATE: November 1, 2007


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

99.1    Altria Group, Inc. Press Release dated November 1, 2007.