New York, NewYork-based Philip Morris International, the iconic cigarette and tobacco manufacturer, and Richmond, Virginia-based Altria Group, the largest producer of tobacco and related products, are discussing a merger that would see Philip Morris re-united with Altria after their 2008 spin-off. Talks are progressing and an announcement is expected by October, 2019. Since both companies recognize the synergies in a combined manufacturing operation and the elimination of duplicative departments, functions, and personnel, employees of both companies should be acutely aware of how this potential merge will affect their positions.
There is no doubt that severe disruptions to the tobacco marketplace are occurring as governments and groups work to reduce the use of conventional tobacco products, including heavy taxation to incentivize consumer behavior. A similar push appears to be under way for electronic “vaping” cigarettes which are little more than addictive nicotine delivery systems. Both vaping and cannabis products promise more legal challenges.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?