1
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2001
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-5759 65-0949535
(State or other jurisdiction of Commission File Number (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
305/579-8000
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
[X] Yes [ ] No
At August 13, 2001, Vector Group Ltd. had 29,382,796 shares of common
stock outstanding.
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2
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. VECTOR GROUP LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Vector Group Ltd. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2001 and
December 31, 2000............................................................................. 2
Vector Group Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2001 and June 30, 2000......................................................... 3
Vector Group Ltd. Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the six
months ended June 30, 2001.................................................................... 4
Vector Group Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended
June 30, 2001 and June 30, 2000............................................................... 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................................... 6
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS............................................... 31
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK..................................... 43
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................................................. 44
Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS...................................................... 44
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............................................ 44
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K............................................................... 45
SIGNATURE.............................................................................................. 47
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3
VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
2001 2000
--------- ------------
ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .............................................. $ 220,556 $ 157,513
Investment securities available for sale ............................... 24,908 29,337
Trading securities owned ............................................... 12,628 18,348
Accounts receivable - trade ............................................ 10,359 9,748
Receivables from clearing brokers ...................................... 25,168 10,126
Other receivables ...................................................... 1,373 1,669
Inventories ............................................................ 45,776 29,752
Restricted assets ...................................................... 2,627 4,489
Deferred income taxes .................................................. 3,064 3,304
Other current assets ................................................... 9,074 5,656
--------- ---------
Total current assets ................................................. 355,533 269,942
Property, plant and equipment, net ....................................... 82,298 48,539
Investment in real estate, net ........................................... 112,291 120,272
Long-term investments, net ............................................... 11,256 4,654
Restricted assets ........................................................ 5,507 3,060
Deferred income taxes .................................................... 14,196 7,094
Goodwill ................................................................. 19,557 --
Other assets ............................................................. 22,755 8,414
--------- ---------
Total assets ......................................................... $ 623,393 $ 461,975
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
Current portion of notes payable and long-term debt .................... $ 7,704 $ 17,850
Margin loans payable ................................................... 2,360 4,675
Accounts payable ....................................................... 16,306 9,547
Cash overdraft ......................................................... -- 501
Securities sold, not yet purchased ..................................... 7,876 3,570
Accrued promotional expenses ........................................... 20,373 19,683
Accrued taxes payable .................................................. 28,999 32,133
Deferred income taxes .................................................. 2,527 2,587
Prepetition claims and restructuring accruals .......................... 5,325 10,229
Other accrued liabilities .............................................. 49,718 38,000
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities ............................................ 141,188 138,775
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion 101,742 39,890
Noncurrent employee benefits ............................................. 15,808 7,313
Deferred income taxes .................................................... 136,479 129,887
Other liabilities ........................................................ 60,705 61,627
Minority interests ....................................................... 92,095 72,034
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized 10,000,000 shares
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 100,000,000
shares, issued 33,656,485 shares, outstanding 29,382,258 ............. 2,938 2,567
Additional paid-in capital ............................................. 223,674 184,807
Deficit ................................................................ (134,439) (148,789)
Accumulated other comprehensive income ................................. 1,965 1,337
Less: 4,274,227 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost ........... (18,762) (27,473)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity ......................................... 75,376 12,449
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ......................... $ 623,393 $ 461,975
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
------------------------------ ------------------------------
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenues:
Tobacco* .............................................. $ 180,533 $ 187,644 $ 317,669 $ 334,792
Broker-dealer transactions ............................ 21,231 18,300 40,296 48,596
Real estate leasing ................................... 2,425 820 5,066 1,591
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenues ...................................... 204,189 206,764 363,031 384,979
Expenses:
Cost of goods sold* ................................... 54,605 85,567 95,369 154,142
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses 133,852 111,067 241,358 210,812
Settlement charges .................................... 32 65 9,797 102
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income .................................... 15,700 10,065 16,507 19,923
Other income (expenses):
Interest and dividend income .......................... 2,037 1,652 4,219 3,182
Interest expense ...................................... (2,273) (11,814) (3,531) (23,570)
Equity in loss of affiliate ........................... (102) (1,362) (102) (2,913)
Foreign currency gain ................................. -- 312 -- 1,535
Gain in joint venture ................................. 14 379 -- 153
Gain on sale of investments, net ...................... 288 1,438 753 6,191
Sale of assets ........................................ 30 150 1,522 150
Other, net ............................................ 225 883 253 1,111
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income from continuing operations before provision for
income taxes and minority interests ................. 15,919 1,703 19,621 5,762
Provision for income taxes ............................ 7,971 640 10,019 2,314
Minority interests .................................... (3,044) (1,883) (3,920) (144)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income from continuing operations ....................... 10,992 2,946 13,522 3,592
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations ............. 828 -- 828 --
Loss on extraordinary items ............................. -- -- -- (230)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income .............................................. $ 11,820 $ 2,946 $ 14,350 $ 3,362
============ ============ ============ ============
Per basic common share:
Income from continuing operations ..................... $ 0.41 $ 0.13 $ 0.52 $ 0.16
============ ============ ============ ============
Gain from discontinued operations ..................... $ 0.03 -- $ 0.03 --
============ ============ ============ ============
Loss from extraordinary items ......................... -- -- -- $ (0.01)
============ ============ ============ ============
Net income applicable to common shares ................ $ 0.44 $ 0.13 $ 0.55 $ 0.15
============ ============ ============ ============
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding ........ 26,761,933 23,089,271 26,214,476 23,089,271
============ ============ ============ ============
Per diluted common share:
Income from continuing operations ..................... $ 0.34 $ 0.11 $ 0.43 $ 0.13
============ ============ ============ ============
Gain from discontinued operations ..................... $ 0.03 -- $ 0.03 --
============ ============ ============ ============
Loss from extraordinary items ......................... -- -- -- $ (0.01)
============ ============ ============ ============
Net income applicable to common shares ................ $ 0.37 $ 0.11 $ 0.46 $ 0.12
============ ============ ============ ============
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding ...... 32,179,582 27,647,813 31,063,423 27,595,891
============ ============ ============ ============
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* Tobacco revenues and Cost of goods sold include excise taxes of $37,186,
$32,459, $64,310 and $57,161, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other
----------------------- Paid-in Treasury Comprehensive
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Stock Income Total
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Balance, December 31, 2000 ....... 25,667,018 $ 2,567 $ 184,807 $ (148,789) $ (27,473) $ 1,337 $ 12,449
Net income ....................... -- -- -- 14,350 -- -- 14,350
Effect of New Valley
capital transactions .......... -- -- -- -- -- 628 628
----------
Total other comprehensive
income ................... -- -- -- -- -- -- 628
----------
Total comprehensive income ....... -- -- -- -- -- -- 14,978
Distributions on common stock .... -- -- (21,998) -- -- -- (21,998)
Effect of New Valley
acquisition of LTS .............. -- -- 5,509 -- -- -- 5,509
Issuance of stock ................ 1,639,344 164 42,118 -- 7,718 -- 50,000
Exercise of options and warrants . 2,045,896 204 11,530 -- 852 -- 12,586
Stock grants ..................... 30,000 3 (144) -- 141 -- --
Effect of repurchase of New
Valley common shares ............ -- -- 193 -- -- -- 193
Amortization of deferred
compensation .................... -- -- 1,659 -- -- -- 1,659
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance, June 30, 2001 ........... 29,382,258 $ 2,938 $ 223,674 $ (134,439) $ (18,762) $ 1,965 $ 75,376
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
-----------------------------
June 30, June 30,
2001 2000
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities ........ $ 3,964 $ (3,556)
--------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures ..................................... (36,560) (21,429)
Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets, net ......... 12,811 162
Purchase of real estate .................................. (1,378) --
Sale or maturity of investment securities ................ 9,744 29,126
Purchase of investment securities ........................ (3,721) (5,732)
Purchase of long-term investments ........................ (5,717) (1,875)
Decrease in restricted assets ............................ 1,232 3,394
Payment of prepetition claims ............................ (2,624) (327)
Investment in joint venture .............................. -- (1,266)
Repurchase by New Valley of common shares ................ (274) (407)
Cash acquired in acquisition of LTS ...................... 5,151 --
Purchase by New Valley of subsidiary common stock ........ (6,342) --
--------- ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities ........ (27,678) 1,646
--------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt ....................................... 82,132 3,134
Repayments of debt ....................................... (13,037) (6,718)
Borrowings under revolvers ............................... 221,975 225,241
Repayments on revolvers .................................. (241,349) (200,929)
Deferred financing charges ............................... (3,214)
(Decrease) increase in margin loans payable .............. (2,315) 4,414
(Decrease) increase in cash overdraft .................... (501) 693
Issuance of common stock ................................. 50,000 --
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants ........... 12,586 --
Distributions on common stock ............................ (21,998) (10,869)
Proceeds from participating loan ......................... 2,478 --
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities .................. 86,757 14,966
--------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents -- (133)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents .................. 63,043 12,923
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ............. 157,513 20,123
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ................... $ 220,556 $ 33,046
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The consolidated financial statements of Vector Group Ltd. (the
"Company" or "Vector") include the accounts of BGLS Inc. ("BGLS"),
Vector Tobacco (USA) Ltd. ("Vector Tobacco"), Liggett Group Inc.
("Liggett"), New Valley Corporation ("New Valley"), Brooke (Overseas)
Ltd. ("Brooke (Overseas)"), through July 31, 2000 Liggett-Ducat Ltd.
("Liggett-Ducat"), and other less significant subsidiaries.
Vector Tobacco is engaged in the development of new, less hazardous
cigarette products. Liggett is engaged in the manufacture and sale of
cigarettes in the United States. Prior to its sale in August 2000,
Liggett-Ducat was engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes
in Russia. New Valley is engaged primarily in the investment banking
and brokerage business through its 53.6% ownership interest in
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. and in the real estate
business.
The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company are
unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments
necessary (which are normal and recurring) to present fairly the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and
cash flows. These consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2000, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The consolidated results of operations for
interim periods should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for the entire year.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
(b) ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates
subject to material changes in the near term include deferred tax
assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, promotional accruals, sales
returns and allowances, actuarial assumptions of pension plans and
litigation and defense costs. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
(c) RECLASSIFICATIONS:
Certain amounts in the 2000 consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the 2001 presentation.
(d) EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Information concerning the Company's common stock has been adjusted
to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid to Company stockholders
on September 28, 2000. In connection with the stock dividend, the
Company increased the number of warrants and stock options by 5% and
reduced the exercise prices accordingly. All share amounts have been
presented as if the stock dividends had occurred on January 1, 2000.
(e) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive
income and is a component of stockholders' equity which includes such
items as the Company's proportionate interest in New Valley's capital
transactions, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities
and minimum pension liability adjustments. Total comprehensive income
was $14,978 for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and $5,211 for the
six months ended June 30, 2000.
2. PRO FORMA RESULTS
The following table presents unaudited pro forma results of operations as
if the sale of Western Tobacco Investments, through which the Company held
its equity interest in Liggett-Ducat, one of Russia's leading cigarette
producers, the acquisition of Class A interests in Western Realty
Development LLC (refer to Note 4) and the acquisition by a New Valley
subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (refer to Note 3)
had occurred immediately prior to January 1, 2000. These pro forma results
have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be
indicative of what would have occurred had these transactions been
consummated as of such date.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Three Months Six Months Six Months
Ended Ended Ended Ended
June 30, 2001 June 30, 2000 June 30, 2001 June 30, 2000
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Revenues ............... $ 212,721 $ 241,676 $385,994 $ 383,447
=========== =========== ======== ==========
Income from continuing
operations ........... $ 9,988 $ 8,618 $ 11,795 $ 13,873
=========== =========== ======== ==========
Income from continuing
operations per diluted
common share ......... $ 0.31 $ 0.31 $ 0.38 $ 0.50
=========== =========== ======== ==========
3. NEW VALLEY CORPORATION
During 1999, New Valley's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of
up to 2,000,000 Common Shares from time to time on the open market or in
privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. As of
June 30, 2001, New Valley had repurchased 422,000 shares for approximately
$1,457. At June 30, 2001, the Company owned 56.3% of New Valley's Common
Shares.
On May 7, 2001, GBI Capital Management Corp. ("GBI") acquired all of the
outstanding common stock of New Valley's 80.1% subsidiary, Ladenburg
Thalmann & Co. Inc. ("Ladenburg"), for 23,218,599 shares, $10,000 cash and
$10,000 principal amount of senior convertible notes due December 31,
2005, and the name of GBI was changed to Ladenburg Thalmann Financial
Services Inc. ("LTS"). The notes bear interest at 7.5% per annum and are
convertible into 4,799,271 shares of LTS common stock. Upon closing, New
Valley also acquired an additional 3,945,060 shares of LTS from the former
Chairman of LTS for $1.00 per share. Following completion of the
transactions, New Valley owned 53.6% and 49.5% of the common stock of LTS,
an American Stock Exchange-listed company, on a basic and fully-diluted
basis.
To provide the funds for the acquisition of the common stock of Ladenburg,
LTS borrowed $10,000 from Frost-Nevada, Limited Partnership
("Frost-Nevada") and issued to Frost-Nevada $10,000 principal amount of
senior convertible notes due December 31, 2005. The notes bear interest at
8.5% per annum and are convertible into 6,497,475 shares of LTS common
stock. These notes, together with the notes issued to the Ladenburg
stockholders, are collateralized by a pledge of the Ladenburg stock. The
notes are recorded on New Valley's balance sheet at June 30, 2001 at
$11,990 (net of $8,010 in notes issued to New Valley).
The information above is based on preliminary estimates of the number of
shares of LTS common stock and the conversion price of the LTS notes to be
issued to the former stockholders or Ladenburg and the conversion price of
the LTS note issued to Frost-Nevada. The actual number of shares and the
conversion prices may be further adjusted following completion of a
post-closing determination of the respective changes in the adjusted net
worths of Ladenburg and LTS through April 30, 2001.
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The transaction has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting as a reverse acquisition. For accounting purposes, Ladenburg
has been treated as the acquirer of LTS as Ladenburg's stockholders held a
majority of the LTS common stock following the closing of the transaction.
As of May 7, 2001, LTS is accounted for as a consolidated subsidiary of
New Valley.
Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values as determined
by management based on information currently available and on current
assumptions as to future operations. Goodwill of $19,385 has been
recognized for the amount of the excess of the purchase price paid over
the fair market value of the net assets acquired and is amortized on the
straight line basis over 20 years.
4. INVESTMENT IN WESTERN REALTY
WESTERN REALTY DEVELOPMENT LLC. In February 1998, New Valley and Apollo
Real Estate Investment Fund III, L.P. ("Apollo") organized Western Realty
Development LLC ("Western Realty Development") to make real estate and
other investments in Russia. New Valley agreed to contribute the real
estate assets of BrookeMil Ltd. ("BrookeMil"), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of New Valley, including Ducat Place II and the site for Ducat Place III,
to Western Realty Development and Apollo agreed to contribute up to
$72,021, including the investment in Western Realty Repin discussed below.
Western Realty Development has three classes of equity: Class A interests,
representing 30% of the ownership of Western Realty Development, and Class
B and Class C interests, which collectively represent 70% of the ownership
of Western Realty Development. Prior to December 29, 2000, Apollo owned
the Class A interests, New Valley owned the Class B interests and
BrookeMil owned the Class C interests. On December 29, 2000, WRD Holding
Corporation ("WRD Holding"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Valley,
purchased for $4,000 29/30ths of the Class A interests of Western Realty
Development previously held by Apollo. WRD Holding paid the purchase price
of $4,000 with a promissory note due November 30, 2005. The note, which is
collateralized by a pledge of the purchased Class A interests, bears
interest at a rate of 7% per annum, compounded annually; interest is
payable to the extent of available cash flow from distributions from
Western Realty Development. In addition, upon the maturity date of the
note or, if earlier, upon the closing of various liquidity events,
including sales of interests in or assets of, or a business combination or
financing involving, Western Realty Development, additional interest will
be payable under the note. The additional interest would be in an amount
equal to 30% of the excess, if any, of the proceeds from a liquidity event
occurring prior to the maturity of the note or the appraised fair market
value of Western Realty Development, at maturity, over $13,750. The note
is classified in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance
sheet. Apollo and New Valley also agreed to loan Western Realty
Development on an equal basis any additional funds required to pay off its
existing indebtedness at an interest rate of 15% per annum.
As a result of the purchase of the Class A interests, New Valley and its
subsidiaries are entitled to 99% of distributions from Western Realty
Development and Apollo is entitled to 1%
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
of distributions. Accordingly, New Valley no longer accounts for its
interests in Western Realty Development using the equity method of
accounting. Effective December 29, 2000, Western Realty Development became
a consolidated subsidiary of New Valley.
Summarized financial information for the three and six months ended June
30, 2000 for Western Realty Development follows:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, 2000 June 30, 2000
------------------ ----------------
Revenues ...................... $2,994 $5,384
Costs and expenses ............ 2,288 4,458
Accretion of return on
participating loan ........ 1,464 2,876
Income tax expense ............ -- --
Net income .................... $2,186 $3,802
WESTERN REALTY REPIN LLC. In June 1998, New Valley and Apollo organized
Western Realty Repin to make a loan to BrookeMil. The proceeds of the loan
have been used by BrookeMil for the acquisition and preliminary
development of the Kremlin sites, two adjoining sites totaling 10.25 acres
located in Moscow across the Moscow River from the Kremlin. The Kremlin
sites are expected to be developed as a residential and hotel complex,
subject to market conditions and the availability of financing. BrookeMil
owned 100% of both sites at June 30, 2001.
Through June 30, 2001, Western Realty Repin has advanced $41,425 to
BrookeMil, of which $29,015 was funded by Apollo and was classified in
other long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheet. The loan
bears no fixed interest and is payable only out of 100% of the
distributions by the entities owning the Kremlin sites to BrookeMil. Such
distributions will be applied first to pay the principal of the loan and
then as contingent participating interest on the loan. Any rights of
payment on the loan are subordinate to the rights of all other creditors
of BrookeMil. BrookeMil used a portion of the proceeds of the loan to
repay New Valley for certain expenditures on the Kremlin sites previously
incurred. The loan is due and payable upon the dissolution of BrookeMil
and is collateralized by a pledge of New Valley's shares of BrookeMil.
As of June 30, 2001, BrookeMil had invested $37,043 in the Kremlin sites
and held $462 in cash and receivables from an affiliate, both of which
were restricted for future investment in the Kremlin sites. In connection
with the acquisition of a 34.8% interest in one of the Kremlin sites,
BrookeMil agreed with the City of Moscow to invest an additional $22,000
by May 2000 in the development of the property. In April 2000, Western
Realty Repin arranged short-term financing to fund the investment. Under
the terms of the investment, BrookeMil is required to utilize such
financing amount to make construction expenditures on the site by June
2002. Failure to make the expenditures could result in forfeiture of the
34.8% interest in the site.
New Valley has accounted for the formation of Western Realty Repin as a
financing by Apollo through a participating interest to be received from
the Kremlin sites. Based on the distribution terms contained in the
Western Realty Repin LLC agreement, the 20% annual rate of return
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12
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
preference to be received by Apollo on funds advanced to Western Realty
Repin is treated as interest cost in the consolidated statement of
operations to the extent of New Valley's net investment in the Kremlin
sites. BrookeMil's historical cost in the Kremlin sites is $37,505 at June
30, 2001 and the amount of the participating loan recorded in the
consolidated balance sheet is $38,605 at June 30, 2001. Apollo is entitled
to additional preferences of approximately $7,858 related to the Kremlin
sites at June 30, 2001.
The development of Ducat Place III and the Kremlin sites will require
significant amounts of debt and other financing. New Valley is considering
potential financing alternatives on behalf of Western Realty Development
and BrookeMil. However, in light of the recent economic turmoil in Russia,
there is a risk that financing will not be available on acceptable terms.
Failure to obtain sufficient capital for the projects would force Western
Realty Development and BrookeMil to curtail or delay the planned
development of Ducat Place III and the Kremlin sites.
The Russian Federation continues to experience economic difficulties
following the financial crisis of August 1998. The country's return to
economic stability is dependent to a large extent on the effectiveness of
the measures taken by the government, decisions of international lending
organizations, and other actions, including regulatory and political
developments, which are beyond the Company's control. In addition, laws
and regulations affecting businesses operating within the Russian
Federation continue to evolve.
The Company's assets and operations could be at risk if there are any
further significant adverse changes in the political and business
environment. Management is unable to predict what effect those
uncertainties might have on the future financial position of the Company.
No adjustments related to these uncertainties have been included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Gallaher Group Plc has agreed to purchase from a subsidiary of BrookeMil
land located outside Moscow, Russia for $1,500. Final closing of the sale,
scheduled for the third quarter of 2001, is subject to satisfaction of
various regulatory requirements.
5. INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Investment securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair
value, with net unrealized gains included as a component of stockholders'
equity, net of minority interests. The Company had realized losses on
sales of investment securities available for sale of $595 and $130 for the
three and six months ended June 30, 2001, and realized gains on sales of
investment securities available for sale of $1,438 and $6,191 for the
three and six months ended June 30, 2000.
The components of investment securities available for sale at June 30,
2001 are as follows:
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gain Loss Value
------- ---------- ---------- -------
Marketable equity securities $20,908 $ 1,055 $ 1,945 $20,018
Marketable warrants ........ -- 4,890 -- 4,890
------- ------- ------- -------
Investment securities ...... $20,908 $ 5,945 $ 1,945 $24,908
======= ======= ======= =======
- 11 -
13
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of:
June 30, December 31,
2001 2000
-------- ------------
Leaf tobacco ................. $ 16,228 $ 7,911
Other raw materials .......... 3,041 1,382
Work-in-process .............. 1,753 2,156
Finished goods ............... 21,218 18,924
Replacement parts and supplies 2,963 2,640
-------- --------
Inventories at current cost .. 45,203 33,013
LIFO adjustments ............. 573 (3,261)
-------- --------
$ 45,776 $ 29,752
======== ========
At June 30, 2001, the Company had leaf tobacco purchase commitments of
approximately $22,506.
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consist of:
June 30, December 31,
2001 2000
--------- ------------
Land and improvements ....... $ 1,550 $ 1,670
Buildings ................... 25,409 15,641
Machinery and equipment ..... 92,635 71,741
--------- ---------
119,594 89,052
Less accumulated depreciation (37,296) (40,513)
--------- ---------
$ 82,298 $ 48,539
========= =========
In February 2001, Liggett sold a warehouse facility for $2,000 in a
sale-leaseback arrangement which resulted in a recognized gain of $542
during the first quarter 2001. The remaining gain of $1,139 will be
amortized over the 15-year lease term, ending in October 2015. In July
2001, the facility's owners purchased an option to terminate the lease,
resulting in a gain of $1,000, to be recognized in the Company's third
quarter results of operations.
Also in February 2001, Liggett contracted to purchase production machinery
for approximately $16,300 denominated in foreign currencies. Deliveries
are expected to begin in October 2001. Liggett is seeking a capital lease
arrangement to finance a portion of the acquisition costs.
- 12 -
14
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
8. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
At June 30, 2001, long-term investments consisted primarily of investments
in limited partnerships of $11,256. The Company is an investor in one
limited partnership where it is required to make additional investments of
up to an aggregate of $7,350 at June 30, 2001. In the second quarter of
2001, the Company recognized a gain of $883 on the liquidation of an
investment in a limited partnership. The Company believes the fair value
of the limited partnerships exceeds their carrying amount by approximately
$6,163 based on the indicated market values of the underlying investment
portfolio provided by the partnerships. The Company's estimates of the
fair value of its long-term investments are subject to judgment and are
not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in the
current market. The Company's investments in limited partnerships are
illiquid, and the ultimate realization of these investments is subject to
the performance of the underlying partnership and its management by the
general partners.
9. NOTES PAYABLE, LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations consist of:
June 30, December 31,
2001 2000
--------- ------------
BGLS:
10% Senior Secured Notes due 2006, net of
unamortized discount of $10,067 ....................... $ 49,933 $ --
Liggett:
Revolving credit facility ................................ -- 19,374
Term loan under credit facility .......................... 3,960 4,320
Equipment loans .......................................... 5,381 5,760
New Valley:
Notes payable - shopping centers ......................... 11,265 19,529
Notes payable - Russia ................................... 5,412 8,187
Notes payable - LTS ...................................... 11,990 --
Vector Research:
Equipment loan ........................................... 13,055 --
Vector Tobacco:
Note payable ............................................. 8,200 --
Other .................................................... 250 570
--------- ---------
Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations 109,446 57,740
Less:
Current maturities ................................. (7,704) (17,850)
--------- ---------
Amount due after one year ................................ $ 101,742 $ 39,890
========= =========
10% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE MARCH 31, 2006 - BGLS
On May 14, 2001, BGLS issued at a discount $60,000 principal amount of 10%
senior secured notes due March 31, 2006 in a private placement. BGLS
received net proceeds from the
- 13 -
15
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
offering of approximately $46,500. The notes were priced to provide the
purchasers with a 15.75% yield to maturity.
The notes are collateralized by substantially all of BGLS' assets,
including a pledge of BGLS' equity interests in its direct subsidiaries,
including Brooke Group Holding, Brooke (Overseas), Vector Tobacco and New
Valley Holdings, Inc. ("NV Holdings"), as well as a pledge of the shares
of Liggett and all of the New Valley securities held by BGLS and NV
Holdings. The purchase agreement for the notes contains covenants, which
among other things, limit the ability of BGLS to make distributions to the
Company to 50% of BGLS' net income, unless BGLS holds $50,000 in cash
after giving effect to the payment of the distribution, limit additional
indebtedness of BGLS, Liggett and Vector Tobacco to 250% of EBITDA for the
trailing 12 months, restrict transactions with affiliates subject to
exceptions which include payments to the Company not to exceed $9,500 per
year for permitted operating expenses, and limit the ability of BGLS to
merge, consolidate or sell certain assets.
Prior to May 24, 2003, BGLS may redeem up to $21,000 of the notes at a
redemption price of 105% of the accreted value with proceeds from one or
more equity offerings. BGLS may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at
a redemption price of 103% of accreted value in the year beginning May 14,
2003, 102% of accreted value in the year beginning May 14, 2004 and 100%
of accreted value after May 14, 2005. During the term of the notes, BGLS
is required to offer to repurchase all the notes at a purchase price of
101%, in the event of a change of control, and to offer to repurchase
notes, at the redemption prices, with the proceeds of material asset
sales.
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY - LIGGETT:
Liggett has a $35,000 credit facility under which $0 was outstanding at
June 30, 2001. Availability under the credit facility was approximately
$27,417 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2001. The facility is
collateralized by all inventories and receivables of Liggett. Borrowings
under the facility, whose interest is calculated at a rate equal to 1.0%
above First Union's (the indirect parent of Congress Financial
Corporation, the lead lender) prime rate. The facility's interest rate was
7.0% at June 30, 2001. The facility requires Liggett's compliance with
certain financial and other covenants including a restriction on the
payment of cash dividends unless Liggett's borrowing availability under
the facility for the 30-day period prior to the payment of the dividend,
and after giving effect to the dividend, is at least $5,000. In addition,
the facility, as amended, imposes requirements with respect to Liggett's
adjusted net worth (not to fall below $8,000 as computed in accordance
with the agreement) and working capital (not to fall below a deficit of
$17,000 as computed in accordance with the agreement). At June 30, 2001,
Liggett was in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility;
Liggett's adjusted net worth was $30,918 and net working capital was
$22,006, as computed in accordance with the agreement. The facility
expires on March 8, 2003 subject to automatic renewal for an additional
year unless a notice of termination is given by the lender at least 60
days prior to the anniversary date.
During 1999, 100 Maple Lane LLC, a new company formed by Liggett to
purchase an industrial facility in Mebane, North Carolina, borrowed $5,040
from the lender under Liggett's credit facility, of which $3,960 was
outstanding at June 30, 2001. In July 2001, Liggett borrowed an additional
$2,340 under the loan. In addition, the lender extended the term of the
loan so that it is payable in 59 monthly installments of $75 including
- 14 -
16
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
annual interest at 1% above the prime rate with a final payment of $1,875.
Liggett has guaranteed the loan, and a first mortgage on the Mebane
property collateralizes the Maple Lane loan and Liggett's credit facility.
Liggett completed the relocation of its manufacturing operations to this
facility in October 2000.
EQUIPMENT LOANS - LIGGETT:
In March 2000, Liggett purchased equipment for $1,000 under a capital
lease which is payable in 60 monthly installments of $21 with an effective
annual interest rate of 10.14%. In April 2000, Liggett purchased equipment
for $1,071 under two capital leases which are payable in 60 monthly
installments of $22 with an effective interest rate of 10.20%.
In January 1999, Liggett purchased equipment for $5,750 and borrowed
$4,500 ($3,690 outstanding at June 30, 2001) to fund the purchase from a
third party. The loan, which was collateralized by the equipment and
guaranteed by BGLS and Vector, was payable in 60 monthly installments of
$56 including annual interest of 7.67% with a final payment of $2,550. The
loan was repaid in July 2001 in connection with the sale of the equipment.
NOTES PAYABLE - NEW VALLEY:
In February 2001, New Valley sold its Royal Palm Beach, Florida shopping
center for $9,500 before closing adjustments and expenses and recorded a
gain of $897 for the six months ended June 30, 2001. Notes payable
relating to the shopping center with a balance of $8,226 at December 31,
2000 were repaid upon closing.
A credit facility with a Russian bank bears interest at 16% per year,
matures no later than August 2002, with principal payments commencing
after the first year, and is collateralized by a mortgage on Ducat Place
II and guaranteed by New Valley. At June 30, 2001, borrowings under the
credit agreement totaled $5,412.
On May 31, 2001, Western Realty Development's Russian subsidiary entered
into a credit agreement with ZAO Raiffeisenbank Austria. The credit
agreement, which provides for borrowings of up to $12,000, will be used to
refinance the subsidiary's present facility with a Russian bank and to
repay intercompany indebtedness. Borrowings under the credit agreement
will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus six percent and will be secured
by a mortgage on Ducat Place II. An initial borrowing of $2,100 was made
under the facility in July 2001. Principal payments will be due under the
credit agreement in 20 equal quarterly installments, with all remaining
amounts due on June 30, 2006.
In connection with the LTS acquisition transaction, LTS issued $11,990
(net of $8,010 issued to New Valley) of its senior convertible notes. The
notes bear a weighted average interest rate of 8% and mature on December
31, 2005.
- 15 -
17
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
EQUIPMENT LOANS - VECTOR RESEARCH:
In February 2001, a subsidiary of Vector Research Ltd. purchased equipment
for $15,500 and borrowed $13,175 to fund the purchase. The loan, which is
collateralized by the equipment and a letter of credit from the Company
for $775, is guaranteed by Vector Research Ltd., BGLS and the Company. The
loan is payable in 120 monthly installments of $125 including annual
interest of 7.78% with a final payment of $6,125.
NOTE PAYABLE - VECTOR TOBACCO:
In June 2001, Vector Tobacco purchased for $8,400 an industrial facility
in Roxboro, North Carolina. Vector Tobacco financed the purchase with an
$8,200 loan, payable in 60 monthly installments of $85, including annual
interest at 4.85% above the LIBOR rate (8.685% at June 30, 2001), with a
final payment of approximately $3,160. The loan, which is collateralized
by a mortgage and a letter of credit of $1,750, is guaranteed by BGLS and
Vector.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
6.25% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE JULY 15, 2008 - VECTOR:
In July 2001, Vector completed the sale of $172,500 (net proceeds of
approxiamtely $166,400) of its 6.25% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
2008 through a private offering to qualified institutional investors in
accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The notes will
accrue interest at 6.25% per annum and will be convertible into Vector's
common stock, at the option of the holder, at an initial conversion price
of $36.531 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for
various events, and any cash distribution on Vector's common stock will
result in a corresponding decrease in the conversion price.
The notes may be redeemed by Vector, in whole or in part, between July 15,
2003 and July 15, 2004, if the closing price of Vector's common stock
exceeds 150% of the conversion price then in effect for a period of at
least 20 trading days in any consecutive 30 day trading period, at a price
equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest and a "make
whole" payment. Vector may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a
price of 103.125% in the year beginning July 15, 2004, 102.083% in the
year beginning July 15, 2005, 101.042% in the year beginning July 15, 2006
and 100% in the year beginning July 15, 2007, together with accrued
interest. If a change of control occurs, Vector will be required to offer
to repurchase the notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued
interest and, under certain circumstances, a "make whole" payment.
10. EQUITY
On January 22, 2001, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to
two executive officers of the Company pursuant to the Company's 1999
Long-Term Incentive Plan. Under the options, the option holders have the
right to purchase an aggregate of 750,000 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $19.125 per share (the
- 16 -
18
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant). Common
stock dividend equivalents are paid currently with respect to each share
underlying the unexercised portion of the options. The options have a
ten-year term and become exercisable on November 4, 2003. However, the
options will earlier vest and become immediately exercisable upon (i) the
occurrence of a change in control or (ii) the termination of the option
holder's employment with the Company due to death or disability.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2001, new employees of the Company or
its subsidiaries were awarded a total of 140,000 non-qualified options to
purchase shares of common stock at prices ranging from $20.68 to $37.20,
generally at the fair market value on the dates of grant under the
Company's 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Company will recognize
compensation expense of $165 over the vesting period.
On May 16, 2001, Vector entered into a stock purchase agreement with High
River Limited Partnership, an investment entity owned by Carl C. Icahn, in
which High River agreed to purchase for $50,000 1,639,344 shares of
Vector's common stock at a price of $30.50 per share, the market price
when negotiations with Mr. Icahn were completed. The closing of the
purchase of the shares occurred on May 31, 2001.
On June 8, 2001, the Company granted 10,000 shares of the Company's common
stock to each of its three outside directors which will vest over a period
of three years. The Company will recognize compensation expense of $1,017
over the vesting period.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2001, a total of 1,767,696 warrants to
purchase Vector's common stock at $4.54 per share were exercised. At June
30, 2001, Vector had outstanding 437,304 of the $4.54 warrants which
expire in 2003.
11. CONTINGENCIES
SMOKING-RELATED LITIGATION:
OVERVIEW. Since 1954, Liggett and other United States cigarette
manufacturers have been named as defendants in numerous direct and
third-party actions predicated on the theory that cigarette manufacturers
should be liable for damages alleged to have been caused by cigarette
smoking or by exposure to secondary smoke from cigarettes. These cases are
reported here as though having been commenced against Liggett (without
regard to whether such cases were actually commenced against Brooke Group
Holding Inc., the Company's predecessor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
BGLS, or Liggett). There has been a noteworthy increase in the number of
cases commenced against Liggett and the other cigarette manufacturers in
recent years. The cases generally fall into the following categories: (i)
smoking and health cases alleging injury brought on behalf of individual
plaintiffs ("Individual Actions"); (ii) smoking and health cases alleging
injury and purporting to be brought on behalf of a class of individual
plaintiffs ("Class Actions"); (iii) health care cost recovery actions
brought by various governmental entities ("Governmental Actions"); and
(iv) health care cost recovery actions brought by third-party payors
including insurance companies, union health and welfare trust funds,
asbestos manufacturers and others ("Third-Party Payor Actions"). As new
cases
- 17 -
19
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
are commenced, defense costs and the risks attendant to the inherent
unpredictability of litigation continue to increase. The future financial
impact of the risks and expenses of litigation and the effects of the
tobacco litigation settlements discussed below is not quantifiable at this
time. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, Liggett incurred counsel
fees and costs totaling approximately $3,846 compared to $4,133 for the
six months ended June 30, 2000.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS. As of June 30, 2001, there were approximately 311
cases pending against Liggett, and in most cases the other tobacco
companies, where one or more individual plaintiffs allege injury resulting
from cigarette smoking, addiction to cigarette smoking or exposure to
secondary smoke and seek compensatory and, in some cases, punitive
damages. Of these, 67 were pending in Florida, 93 in New York, 13 in
Massachusetts, 14 in Texas and 22 in California. The balance of the
individual cases were pending in 22 states. There are five individual
cases pending where Liggett is the only named defendant. In addition to
these cases, during the third quarter of 2000, an action against cigarette
manufacturers involving approximately 1,200 named individual plaintiffs
has been consolidated before a single West Virginia state court. Liggett
is a defendant in most of the cases pending in West Virginia.
The plaintiffs' allegations of liability in those cases in which
individuals seek recovery for injuries allegedly caused by cigarette
smoking are based on various theories of recovery, including negligence,
gross negligence, breach of special duty, strict liability, fraud,
misrepresentation, design defect, failure to warn, breach of express and
implied warranties, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, concert of action,
unjust enrichment, common law public nuisance, property damage, invasion
of privacy, mental anguish, emotional distress, disability, shock,
indemnity and violations of deceptive trade practice laws, the Federal
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act ("RICO"), state RICO
statutes and antitrust statutes. In many of these cases, in addition to
compensatory damages, plaintiffs also seek other forms of relief including
treble/multiple damages, medical monitoring, disgorgement of profits and
punitive damages. Defenses raised by defendants in these cases include
lack of proximate cause, assumption of the risk, comparative fault and/or
contributory negligence, lack of design defect, statute of limitations,
equitable defenses such as "unclean hands" and lack of benefit, failure to
state a claim and federal preemption.
Jury awards in California and Oregon have been entered against other
companies in the tobacco industry. The awards in these individual actions
are for both compensatory and punitive damages and represent a material
amount of damages. In June 2001, a jury awarded $5,500 in compensatory
damages and $3,000,000 in punitive damages in a California state court
case involving Philip Morris. The punitive damages award was subsequently
reduced to $100,000 by the trial court. In each case, both the verdict and
damage awards are being appealed by the defendants. During 2001, as a
result of a Florida Supreme Court decision upholding the award, another
cigarette manufacturer paid $1,100 in compensatory damages and interest to
a former smoker and his spouse for injuries they allegedly incurred as a
result of smoking. In June 2001, the U. S. Supreme Court declined to
review the case.
CLASS ACTIONS. As of June 30, 2001, there were approximately 40 actions
pending, for which either a class has been certified or plaintiffs are
seeking class certification, where Liggett, among others, was a named
defendant. Many of these actions purport to constitute statewide
- 18 -
20
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
class actions and were filed after May 1996 when the Fifth Circuit Court
of Appeals, in the CASTANO case (discussed below), reversed a Federal
district court's certification of a purported nationwide class action on
behalf of persons who were allegedly "addicted" to tobacco products.
In March 1994, an action entitled CASTANO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO
COMPANY INC., ET AL., United States District Court, Eastern District of
Louisiana, was filed against Liggett and others. The class action
complaint sought relief for a nationwide class of smokers based on their
alleged addiction to nicotine. In February 1995, the District Court
granted plaintiffs' motion for class certification. In May 1996, the Court
of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed the class certification order
and instructed the District Court to dismiss the class complaint. The
Fifth Circuit ruled that the District Court erred in its analysis of the
class certification issues by failing to consider how variations in state
law affect predominance of common questions and the superiority of the
class action mechanism. The appeals panel also held that the District
Court's predominance inquiry did not include consideration of how a trial
on the merits in CASTANO would be conducted. The Fifth Circuit further
ruled that the "addiction-as-injury" tort is immature and, accordingly,
the District Court could not know whether common issues would be a
"significant" portion of the individual trials. According to the Fifth
Circuit's decision, any savings in judicial resources that class
certification may bring about were speculative and would likely be
overwhelmed by the procedural problems certification brings. Finally, the
Fifth Circuit held that in order to make the class action manageable, the
District Court would be forced to bifurcate issues in violation of the
Seventh Amendment.
The extent of the impact of the CASTANO decision on smoking-related class
action litigation is still uncertain. The CASTANO decision has had a
limited effect with respect to courts' decisions regarding narrower
smoking-related classes or class actions brought in state rather than
federal court. For example, since the Fifth Circuit's ruling, a court in
Louisiana (Liggett is not a defendant in this proceeding) has certified
"addiction-as-injury" class actions that covered only citizens in those
states. Two other class actions, BROIN and ENGLE, were certified in state
court in Florida prior to the Fifth Circuit's decision.
In May 1994, an action entitled ENGLE, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO
COMPANY, ET AL., Circuit Court, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Dade County,
Florida, was filed against Liggett and others. The class consists of all
Florida residents and citizens, and their survivors, who have suffered,
presently suffer or have died from diseases and medical conditions caused
by their addiction to cigarettes that contain nicotine. Phase I of the
trial commenced in July 1998 and in July 1999, the jury returned the Phase
I verdict. The Phase I verdict concerned certain issues determined by the
trial court to be "common" to the causes of action of the plaintiff class.
Among other things, the jury found that: smoking cigarettes causes 20
diseases or medical conditions, cigarettes are addictive or dependence
producing, defective and unreasonably dangerous, defendants made
materially false statements with the intention of misleading smokers,
defendants concealed or omitted material information concerning the health
effects and/or the addictive nature of smoking cigarettes and agreed to
misrepresent and conceal the health effects and/or the addictive nature of
smoking cigarettes, and defendants were negligent and engaged in extreme
and outrageous conduct or acted with reckless disregard with the intent to
inflict emotional distress. The jury also found that defendants' conduct
"rose to a level that would permit a potential award or entitlement to
punitive damages." The court
- 19 -
21
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
decided that Phase II of the trial, which commenced November 1999, would
be a causation and damages trial for three of the class representatives
and a punitive damages trial on a class-wide basis, before the same jury
that returned the verdict in Phase I. On April 7, 2000, the jury awarded
compensatory damages of $12,704 to the three plaintiffs, to be reduced in
proportion to the respective plaintiff's fault. The jury also decided that
the claim of one of the plaintiffs, who was awarded compensatory damages
of $5,831, was not timely filed. On July 14, 2000, the jury awarded
approximately $145,000,000 in the punitive damages portion of Phase II
against all defendants including $790,000 against Liggett. The court
entered a final order of judgment against the defendants on November 6,
2000. The court's final judgment also denied various of defendants'
post-trial motions, which included a motion for new trial and a motion
seeking reduction of the punitive damages award. Liggett intends to pursue
all available post-trial and appellate remedies. If this verdict is not
eventually reversed on appeal, or substantially reduced by the court, it
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Phase III of the
trial will be conducted before separate juries to address absent class
members' claims, including issues of specific causation and other
individual issues regarding entitlement to compensatory damages.
Now that the ENGLE jury has awarded punitive damages and final judgment
has been entered, it is unclear how the state court's order regarding the
determination of punitive damages will be implemented. The order provides
that the punitive damage amount should be standard as to each class member
and acknowledges that the actual size of the class will not be known until
the last case has withstood appeal. The order does not address whether
defendants will be required to pay the punitive damage award prior to a
determination of claims of all class members, a process that could take
years to conclude. In May 2000, legislation was enacted in Florida that
limits the size of any bond required, pending appeal, to stay execution of
a punitive damages verdict to the lesser of the punitive award plus twice
the statutory rate of interest, $100,000 or 10% of the net worth of the
defendant, but the limitation on the bond does not affect the amount of
the underlying verdict. Liggett has filed the $3,450 bond required by the
Florida law in order to stay execution of the ENGLE judgment. Similar
legislation has been enacted in Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada,
North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
On May 7, 2001, Liggett, along with Philip Morris Incorporated and
Lorillard Tobacco Co., reached an agreement with the class in the ENGLE
case, which will provide assurance of Liggett's ability to appeal the
jury's July 2000 verdict. The agreement calls for the payment by Liggett
of $6,273 into an escrow account to be held for the benefit of the ENGLE
class, and released, along with Liggett's existing $3,450 statutory bond,
to the court for the benefit of the class upon completion of the appeals
process. As a result, the Company has recorded a $9,723 pre-tax charge to
the consolidated statement of operations for the first quarter of 2001.
The agreement, which was approved by the Dade County Circuit Court in
Miami, assures that the stay of execution, currently in effect pursuant to
the Florida bonding statute, will not be lifted or limited at any point
until completion of all appeals, including to the United States Supreme
Court.
Class certification motions are pending in a number of putative class
actions. Classes remain certified against Liggett in Florida (ENGLE) and
in West Virginia (BLANKENSHIP). A number of class certification denials
are on appeal.
- 20 -
22
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
On August 16, 2000, in BLANKENSHIP V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., a West Virginia
state court conditionally certified (only to the extent of medical
monitoring) a class of present or former West Virginia smokers who desire
to participate in a medical monitoring plan. The trial of this case ended
on January 25, 2001, when the judge declared a mistrial. In an order
issued on March 23, 2001, the court reaffirmed class certification of this
medical monitoring action. In July 2001, the court issued an order
severing Liggett from the retrial of the case scheduled to begin in
September 2001.
Approximately 38 purported state and federal class action complaints have
been filed against the cigarette manufacturers for alleged antitrust
violations, including Liggett and Brooke Holding. The actions allege that
the cigarette manufacturers have engaged in a nationwide and international
conspiracy to fix the price of cigarettes in violation of state and
federal antitrust laws. Plaintiffs allege that defendants' price-fixing
conspiracy raised the price of cigarettes above a competitive level.
Plaintiffs in the 31 state actions purport to represent classes of
indirect purchasers of cigarettes in 16 states; plaintiffs in the seven
federal actions purport to represent a nationwide class of wholesalers who
purchased cigarettes directly from the defendants. The federal actions
have been consolidated and, on July 28, 2000, plaintiffs in the federal
consolidated action filed a single consolidated complaint that did not
name Liggett or Brooke Group Holding as defendants, although Liggett has
complied with certain discovery requests. Fourteen California actions have
been consolidated and the consolidated complaint did not name Liggett or
Brooke Group Holding as defendants. In Nevada, an amended complaint was
filed that did not name Liggett or Brooke Group Holding as defendants. The
Arizona action was dismissed by the trial court, but the plaintiffs have
appealed that ruling. The plaintiffs in the Tennessee action have filed a
motion for voluntary dismissal which is currently pending.
Liggett and plaintiffs have advised the court, in SIMON V. PHILIP MORRIS
ET AL., a putative nationwide smokers class action, that Liggett and the
plaintiffs have engaged in preliminary settlement discussions. There are
no assurances that any settlement will be reached or that the class will
ultimately be certified.
GOVERNMENTAL ACTIONS. As of June 30, 2001, there were approximately 51
Governmental Actions pending against Liggett. In these proceedings, both
foreign and domestic governmental entities seek reimbursement for Medicaid
and other health care expenditures. The claims asserted in these health
care cost recovery actions vary. In most of these cases, plaintiffs assert
the equitable claim that the tobacco industry was "unjustly enriched" by
plaintiffs' payment of health care costs allegedly attributable to smoking
and seek reimbursement of those costs. Other claims made by some but not
all plaintiffs include the equitable claim of indemnity, common law claims
of negligence, strict liability, breach of express and implied warranty,
breach of special duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy,
public nuisance, claims under state and federal statutes governing
consumer fraud, antitrust, deceptive trade practices and false
advertising, and claims under RICO.
THIRD-PARTY PAYOR ACTIONS. As of June 30, 2001, there were approximately
66 Third-Party Payor Actions pending against Liggett. The claims in these
cases are similar to those in the Governmental Actions but have been
commenced by insurance companies, union health and
- 21 -
23
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
welfare trust funds, asbestos manufacturers and others. Seven United
States Circuit Courts of Appeal have ruled that Third-Party Payors did not
have standing to bring lawsuits against the tobacco companies. In January
2000, the United States Supreme Court denied petitions for certiorari
filed by several of the union health and welfare trust funds. However, a
number of Third-Party Payor Actions, including an action brought by 24
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans, remain pending.
In June 2001, a jury in a third party payor action brought by Empire Blue
Cross and Blue Shield in the Eastern District of New York rendered a
verdict awarding the plaintiff $17,800 in damages against the major
tobacco companies. As against Liggett, the jury awarded the plaintiff
damages of $89. Liggett is considering its post-trial remedies and an
appeal of the jury verdict.
In other Third-Party Payor Actions claimants have set forth several
additional theories of relief sought: funding of corrective public
education campaigns relating to issues of smoking and health; funding for
clinical smoking cessation programs; disgorgement of profits from sales of
cigarettes; restitution; treble damages; and attorneys' fees.
Nevertheless, no specific amounts are provided. It is understood that
requested damages against the tobacco company defendants in these cases
might be in the billions of dollars.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACTION. In September 1999, the United States government
commenced litigation against Liggett and the other tobacco companies in
the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The action
seeks to recover an unspecified amount of health care costs paid for and
furnished, and to be paid for and furnished, by the Federal Government for
lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other smoking-related illnesses
allegedly caused by the fraudulent and tortious conduct of defendants, and
to restrain defendants and co-conspirators from engaging in fraud and
other unlawful conduct in the future, and to compel defendants to disgorge
the proceeds of their unlawful conduct. The complaint alleges that such
costs total more than $20,000,000 annually. The action asserts claims
under three federal statutes, the Medical Care Recovery Act ("MCRA"), the
Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act ("MSP") and
RICO. In December 1999, Liggett filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on
numerous grounds, including that the statutes invoked by the government do
not provide the basis for the relief sought. In a September 2000 ruling,
the court dismissed the government's claims based on MCRA and MSP, on the
ground, among others, that these statutes do not provide a basis for the
relief sought. In July 2001, the court reaffirmed its decision that the
government does not have a valid claim under MCRA or MSP. In the September
2000 ruling, the court also determined not to dismiss the government's
claims based on RICO, under which the government continues to seek court
relief to restrain the defendant tobacco companies from allegedly engaging
in fraud and other unlawful conduct and to compel disgorgement. Discovery
in the case has commenced.
In June 2001, the United States Attorney General assembled a team of three
Department of Justice ("DOJ") lawyers to work on a possible settlement of
the federal lawsuit. The DOJ lawyers met with representatives of the
tobacco industry, including Liggett, on July 18, 2001. No settlement was
reached, and no further meetings are planned. Trial has been scheduled for
July 2003.
- 22 -
24
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
SETTLEMENTS. In March 1996, Brooke Group Holding and Liggett entered into
an agreement, subject to court approval, to settle the CASTANO class
action tobacco litigation. The CASTANO class was subsequently decertified
by the court.
In March 1996, March 1997 and March 1998, Brooke Group Holding and Liggett
entered into settlements of smoking-related litigation with the Attorneys
General of 45 states and territories. The settlements released both Brooke
Group Holding and Liggett from all smoking-related claims, including
claims for health care cost reimbursement and claims concerning sales of
cigarettes to minors.
In November 1998, Philip Morris, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation,
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Lorillard Tobacco Company (collectively,
the "Original Participating Manufacturers" or "OPMs") and Liggett
(together with the OPMs and any other tobacco product manufacturer that
becomes a signatory, the "Participating Manufacturers") entered into the
Master Settlement Agreement (the "MSA") with 46 states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, American
Samoa and the Northern Marianas (collectively, the "Settling States") to
settle the asserted and unasserted health care cost recovery and certain
other claims of those Settling States. The MSA has received final judicial
approval in each of the 52 settling jurisdictions.
The MSA restricts tobacco product advertising and marketing within the
Settling States and otherwise restricts the activities of Participating
Manufacturers. Among other things, the MSA prohibits the targeting of
youth in the advertising, promotion or marketing of tobacco products; bans
the use of cartoon characters in all tobacco advertising and promotion;
limits each Participating Manufacturer to one tobacco brand name
sponsorship during any 12-month period; bans all outdoor advertising, with
the exception of signs 14 square feet or less in dimension at retail
establishments that sell tobacco products; prohibits payments for tobacco
product placement in various media; bans gift offers based on the purchase
of tobacco products without sufficient proof that the intended recipient
is an adult; prohibits Participating Manufacturers from licensing third
parties to advertise tobacco brand names in any manner prohibited under
the MSA; prohibits Participating Manufacturers from using as a tobacco
product brand name any nationally recognized non-tobacco brand or trade
name or the names of sports teams, entertainment groups or individual
celebrities; and prohibits Participating Manufacturers from selling packs
containing fewer than twenty cigarettes.
The MSA also requires Participating Manufacturers to affirm corporate
principles to comply with the MSA and to reduce underage usage of tobacco
products and imposes requirements applicable to lobbying activities
conducted on behalf of Participating Manufacturers.
Liggett has no payment obligations under the MSA unless its market share
exceeds a base share of 125% of its 1997 market share, or approximately
1.65% of total cigarettes sold in the United States. Liggett believes,
based on published industry sources, that its domestic shipments accounted
for 1.5% of the total cigarettes shipped in the United States during 2000.
In the year following any year in which Liggett's market share does exceed
the base share, Liggett will pay on each excess unit an amount equal (on a
per-unit basis) to that paid during such following year by the OPMs under
the annual and strategic contribution payment provisions of the MSA,
subject to applicable adjustments, offsets and reductions. Liggett will
accrue for MSA obligations on a quarterly basis to the extent it is
estimated that such obligations will be due based on current sales volume.
Under the
- 23 -
25
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
annual and strategic contribution payment provisions of the MSA, the OPMs
(and Liggett to the extent its market share exceeds the base share) are
required to pay the following annual amounts (subject to certain
adjustments):
Year Amount
----------- ----------
2001 $5,000,000
2002 - 2003 $6,500,000
2004 - 2007 $8,000,000
2008 - 2017 $8,139,000
2018 and each $9,000,000
year thereafter
These annual payments will be allocated based on relative unit volume of
domestic cigarette shipments. The payment obligations under the MSA are
the several, and not joint, obligations of each Participating Manufacturer
and are not the responsibility of any parent or affiliate of a
Participating Manufacturer.
The MSA replaces Liggett's prior settlements with all states and
territories except for Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Minnesota. Each of
these states, prior to the effective date of the MSA, negotiated and
executed settlement agreements with each of the other major tobacco
companies separate from those settlements reached previously with Liggett.
Because these states' settlement agreements with Liggett provided for
"most favored nation" protection for both Brooke Group Holding and
Liggett, the payments due these states by Liggett (with certain possible
exceptions) have been eliminated. With respect to all non-economic
obligations under the previous settlements, both Brooke Group Holding and
Liggett are entitled to the most favorable provisions as between the MSA
and each state's respective settlement with the other major tobacco
companies. Therefore, Liggett's non-economic obligations to all states and
territories are now defined by the MSA.
In April 1999, a putative class action was filed on behalf of all firms
that directly buy cigarettes in the United States from defendant tobacco
manufacturers. The complaint alleges violation of antitrust law, based in
part on the MSA. Plaintiffs seek treble damages computed as three times
the difference between current prices and the price plaintiffs would have
paid for cigarettes in the absence of an alleged conspiracy to restrain
and monopolize trade in the domestic cigarette market, together with
attorneys' fees. Plaintiffs also seek injunctive relief against certain
aspects of the MSA.
In March 1997, Liggett, Brooke Group Holding and a nationwide class of
individuals that allege smoking-related claims filed a mandatory class
settlement agreement in an action entitled FLETCHER, ET AL. V. BROOKE
GROUP LTD., ET AL., Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, where the
court granted preliminary approval and preliminary certification of the
class. In July 1998, Liggett, Brooke Group Holding and plaintiffs filed an
amended class action settlement agreement in FLETCHER which agreement was
preliminarily approved by the court in December 1998. In July 1999, the
court denied approval of the FLETCHER class action settlement. The
parties' motion for reconsideration is still pending.
- 24 -
26
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The Company accrued $16,902 for the present value of the fixed payments
under the March 1998 Attorneys General settlements. As a result of the
Company's treatment under the MSA, $14,928 of net charges accrued for the
prior settlements were reversed in 1998, $1,051 were reversed in 1999 and
$934 were reversed in 2000.
Copies of the various settlement agreements are filed as exhibits to the
Company's Form 10-K and the discussion herein is qualified in its entirety
by reference thereto.
TRIALS. Cases currently scheduled for trial in 2001 include an individual
action in an Ohio federal court that is scheduled to begin in August 2001
and two individual actions in New York state courts scheduled for October
and December 2001. Trial dates, however, are subject to change.
Management is not able to predict the outcome of the litigation pending
against Brooke Group Holding or Liggett. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties. An unfavorable verdict was returned in the first phase of
the ENGLE smoking and health class action trial pending in Florida. In
July 2000, the jury awarded $790,000 in punitive damages against Liggett
in the second phase of the trial, and the court has entered an order of
final judgment. Liggett intends to pursue all available post-trial and
appellate remedies. If this verdict is not eventually reversed on appeal,
or substantially reduced by the court, it could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. Liggett has filed the $3,450 bond required under
recent Florida legislation which limits the size of any bond required,
pending appeal, to stay execution of a punitive damages verdict. On May 7,
2001, Liggett reached an agreement with the class in the ENGLE case, which
will provide assurance to Liggett that the stay of execution, currently in
effect pursuant to the bonding statute enacted last year by the Florida
legislature, will not be lifted or limited at any point until completion
of all appeals, including to the United States Supreme Court. The
agreement calls for the payment by Liggett of $6,273 into an escrow
account to be held for the benefit of the ENGLE class, and released, along
with Liggett's existing $3,450 statutory bond, to the court for the
benefit of the class upon completion of the appeals process. It is
possible that additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there
could be further adverse developments in the ENGLE case. Management cannot
predict the cash requirements related to any future settlements and
judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and there is a
risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An unfavorable
outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the
commencement of additional similar litigation. Management is unable to
make a meaningful estimate with respect to the amount or range of loss
that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending against
Brooke Group Holding or Liggett or the costs of defending such cases. The
complaints filed in these cases rarely detail alleged damages. Typically,
the claims set forth in an individual's complaint against the tobacco
industry pray for money damages in an amount to be determined by a jury,
plus punitive damages and costs. These damage claims are typically stated
as being for the minimum necessary to invoke the jurisdiction of the
court.
It is possible that the Company's consolidated financial position, results
of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an
unfavorable outcome in any such smoking-related litigation.
- 25 -
27
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Liggett's management is unaware of any material environmental conditions
affecting its existing facilities. Liggett's management believes that
current operations are conducted in material compliance with all
environmental laws and regulations and other laws and regulations
governing cigarette manufacturers. Compliance with federal, state and
local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the
environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment,
has not had a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or
competitive position of Liggett.
There are several other proceedings, lawsuits and claims pending against
the Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries unrelated to
smoking or tobacco product liability. Management is of the opinion that
the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such other proceedings,
lawsuits and claims should not materially affect the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATION:
In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") released a report on
the respiratory effect of secondary smoke which concludes that secondary
smoke is a known human lung carcinogen in adults and in children, causes
increased respiratory tract disease and middle ear disorders and increases
the severity and frequency of asthma. In June 1993, the two largest of the
major domestic cigarette manufacturers, together with other segments of
the tobacco and distribution industries, commenced a lawsuit against the
EPA seeking a determination that the EPA did not have the statutory
authority to regulate secondary smoke, and that given the current body of
scientific evidence and the EPA's failure to follow its own guidelines in
making the determination, the EPA's classification of secondary smoke was
arbitrary and capricious. In July 1998, a federal district court vacated
those sections of the report relating to lung cancer, finding that the EPA
may have reached different conclusions had it complied with relevant
statutory requirements. The federal government has appealed the court's
ruling. Whatever the ultimate outcome of this litigation, issuance of the
report may encourage efforts to limit smoking in public areas.
In February 1996, the United States Trade representative issued an
"advance notice of rule making" concerning how tobacco is imported under a
previously established tobacco rate quota ("TRQ") should be allocated.
Currently, tobacco imported under the TRQ is allocated on a "first-come,
first-served" basis, meaning that entry is allowed on an open basis to
those first requesting entry in the quota year. Others in the cigarette
industry have suggested an "end-user licensing" system under which the
right to import tobacco under the quota would be initially assigned based
on domestic market share. Such an approach, if adopted, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company and Liggett.
In August 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") filed in the
Federal Register a Final Rule classifying tobacco as a "drug" or "medical
device", asserting jurisdiction over the manufacture and marketing of
tobacco products and imposing restrictions on the sale, advertising and
promotion of tobacco products. Litigation was commenced challenging the
legal authority of the FDA to assert such jurisdiction, as well as
challenging the constitutionality of the rules. In March 2000, the United
States Supreme Court ruled that the FDA does not
- 26 -
28
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
have the power to regulate tobacco. Liggett supported the FDA Rule and
began to phase in compliance with certain of the proposed FDA regulations.
Since the Supreme Court decision, various proposals have been made for
federal and state legislation to regulate cigarette manufacturers.
Recently, a Presidential commission appointed by former President Clinton
issued a preliminary report recommending that the FDA be given authority
by Congress to regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution and labeling
of tobacco products to protect public health. In addition, Congressional
advocates of FDA regulation have introduced such legislation for
consideration by the 107th Congress. The ultimate outcome of these
proposals cannot be predicted.
In August 1996, Massachusetts enacted legislation requiring tobacco
companies to publish information regarding the ingredients in cigarettes
and other tobacco products sold in that state. In December 1997, the
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts enjoined
this legislation from going into effect on the grounds that it is
preempted by federal law. In November 1999, the First Circuit affirmed
this ruling. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in December 1997, Liggett
began complying with this legislation by providing ingredient information
to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Several other states
have enacted, or are considering, legislation similar to that enacted in
Massachusetts.
As part of the 1997 budget agreement approved by Congress, federal excise
taxes on a pack of cigarettes, which are currently 34 cents, were
increased at the beginning of 2000 and will rise 5 cents more in the year
2002. In general, excise taxes and other taxes on cigarettes have been
increasing. These taxes vary considerably and, when combined with sales
taxes and the current federal excise tax, may be as high as $1.88 per pack
in a given locality in the United States. Congress has considered
significant increases in the federal excise tax or other payments from
tobacco manufacturers, and increases in excise and other cigarette-related
taxes have been proposed at the state and local levels.
In June 2000, the New York state legislature passed legislation charging
the state's Office of Fire Prevention and Control with developing
standards for "fire safe" or self-extinguishing cigarettes. The OFPC has
until July 1, 2002 to issue final regulations. Six months from the
issuance of the standards, but no later than January 1, 2003, all
cigarettes offered for sale in New York state will be required to be
manufactured to those standards. Similar legislation is being considered
by other state legislatures.
In addition to the foregoing, there have been a number of other
restrictive regulatory actions, adverse legislative and political
decisions and other unfavorable developments concerning cigarette smoking
and the tobacco industry, the effects of which, at this time, management
is not able to evaluate. These developments may negatively affect the
perception of potential triers of fact with respect to the tobacco
industry, possibly to the detriment of certain pending litigation, and may
prompt the commencement of additional similar litigation.
- 27 -
29
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
OTHER MATTERS:
In March 1997, a stockholder derivative suit was filed in Delaware
Chancery Court against New Valley, as a nominal defendant, its directors
and Brooke Group Holding by a stockholder of New Valley. The suit alleges
that New Valley's purchase of the BrookeMil shares from Brooke (Overseas)
in January 1997 constituted a self-dealing transaction which involved the
payment of excessive consideration by New Valley. The plaintiff seeks a
declaration that New Valley's directors breached their fiduciary duties
and Brooke Group Holding aided and abetted such breaches and that damages
be awarded to New Valley. In December 1999, another stockholder of New
Valley commenced an action in Delaware Chancery Court substantially
similar to the March 1997 action. This stockholder alleges, among other
things, that the consideration paid by New Valley for the BrookeMil shares
was excessive, unfair and wasteful, that the special committee of New
Valley's board lacked independence, and that the appraisal and fairness
opinion were flawed. By order of the court, both actions were
consolidated. In January 2001, the court denied a motion to dismiss the
consolidated action. Brooke Group Holding and New Valley believe that the
allegations in the case are without merit. Discovery in the case has
commenced.
In July 1999, a purported class action was commenced on behalf of New
Valley's former Class B preferred shareholders against New Valley, Brooke
Group Holding and certain directors and officers of New Valley in Delaware
Chancery Court. The complaint alleges that the recapitalization, approved
by a majority of each class of New Valley's stockholders in May 1999, was
fundamentally unfair to the Class B preferred shareholders, the proxy
statement relating to the recapitalization was materially deficient and
the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Class B preferred
shareholders in approving the transaction. The plaintiffs seek class
certification of the action and an award of compensatory damages as well
as all costs and fees. The Court dismissed six of plaintiff's nine claims
alleging inadequate disclosure in the proxy statement. Brooke Group
Holding and New Valley believe that the remaining allegations are without
merit. Discovery in the case has commenced.
Although there can be no assurances, Brooke Group Holding and New Valley
believe, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate resolution of
these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's or
New Valley's consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows.
- 28 -
30
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
As of June 30, 2001, New Valley had $5,325 of prepetition
bankruptcy-related claims and restructuring accruals including claims for
unclaimed monies that certain states are seeking on behalf of money
transfer customers. The remaining claims may be subject to future
adjustments based on potential settlements or decisions of the court.
New Valley is a defendant in various lawsuits and may be subject to
unasserted claims primarily concerning its activities as a securities
broker-dealer and its participation in public underwritings. These
lawsuits involve claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts and are
in varying stages of legal proceedings. In the opinion of management,
after consultation with counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters
is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's or New
Valley's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
12. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
June 30, December 31,
2001 2000
-------- ------------
Note payable for Western Realty
Development Class A Interests........... $19,929 $19,968
Western Realty Repin participating loan..... 38,605 36,127
Other long-term liabilities................. 2,171 5,532
------- -------
Total $60,705 $61,627
======= =======
- 29 -
31
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Financial information for the Company's continuing operations before taxes
and minority interest for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and
2000 follows:
Liggett-(1) Vector Broker-(2) Real(3) Corporate(3)
Liggett Ducat Tobacco Dealer Estate and Other Total
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------ ---------
Three Months Ended June 30, 2001:
Revenues ........................ $ 180,533 $ -- $ -- $ 21,231 $ 2,425 $ -- $ 204,189
Operating income (loss) ......... 33,139 -- (6,782) (3,688) (711) (6,258) 15,700
Depreciation and amortization ... 1,049 -- 232 315 648 478 2,722
Three Months Ended June 30, 2000:
Revenues ........................ $ 138,560 $ 49,084 $ -- $ 18,300 $ 820 $ -- $ 206,764
Operating income (loss) ......... 15,636 1,287 (2,459) 163 (2,113) (2,449) 10,065
Depreciation and amortization ... 1,008 2,619 -- 217 330 8 4,182
Six Months Ended June 30, 2001:
Revenues ........................ $ 317,669 $ -- $ -- $ 40,296 $ 5,066 $ -- $ 363,031
Operating income (loss) ......... 42,843 -- (11,216) (4,052) (630) (10,438) 16,507
Identifiable assets ............. 128,912 -- 35,602 94,406 115,908 248,565 623,393
Depreciation and amortization ... 2,438 -- 325 820 1,328 485 5,396
Capital expenditures ............ 3,023 -- 16,466 1,571 1,378 15,500 37,938
Six Months Ended June 30, 2000:
Revenues ........................ $ 245,462 $ 89,330 $ -- $ 48,596 $ 1,591 $ -- $ 384,979
Operating income (loss) ......... 24,690 1,643 (3,194) 5,046 (4,096) (4,166) 19,923
Identifiable assets ............. 119,699 170,060 20 44,573 58,493 138,085 530,930
Depreciation and amortization ... 2,006 4,641 -- 437 532 17 7,633
Capital expenditures ............ 8,790 10,505 -- 289 1,845 -- 21,429
- -------------------
(1) Russian tobacco is included for the three and six months ended June 30,
2000. Western Tobacco Investments was sold on August 4, 2000.
(2) The acquired operations of LTS are included in the Company's results of
operations commencing May 7, 2001.
(3) New Valley's interest in Western Realty Development is included in real
estate operations for the 2001 periods and in corporate and other for
the 2000 periods when it was accounted for on the equity method.
- 30 -
32
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
INTRODUCTION
The following discussion provides an assessment of the consolidated
results of operations, capital resources and liquidity of Vector Group Ltd. (the
"Company" or "Vector") and its subsidiaries and should be read in conjunction
with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto of the Company
included elsewhere in this document. The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of BGLS Inc. ("BGLS"), Liggett Group Inc. ("Liggett"), New
Valley Corporation ("New Valley"), Brooke (Overseas) Ltd. ("Brooke Overseas"),
Vector Tobacco (USA) Ltd. ("Vector Tobacco"), through July 31, 2000
Liggett-Ducat Ltd. ("Liggett-Ducat"), and other less significant subsidiaries.
As of June 30, 2001, the Company owned 56.3% of New Valley's common shares.
The Company is a holding company for a number of businesses. Vector
Tobacco is engaged in the development of new, less hazardous cigarette products.
Liggett is engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United
States. New Valley is engaged in the investment banking and brokerage business
and in the real estate business.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
CONVERTIBLE NOTE OFFERING. In July 2001, Vector completed the sale of
$172,500 (net proceeds of approximately $166,400) of its 6.25% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2008 through a private offering to qualified
institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933. The notes will accrue interest at 6.25% per annum and will be convertible
into Vector's common stock, at the option of the holder, at an initial
conversion price of $36.531 per share.
Vector intends to use the net proceeds of the offering of notes,
together with the proceeds from the placement of BGLS' senior secured notes and
the investment in Vector's common stock by an entity affiliated with Carl C.
Icahn, for general corporate purposes, including to fund the planned advertising
and promotion of Vector Tobacco's new OMNI and OMNI Nicotine Free cigarette
products and to pursue strategic acquisitions by Liggett of smaller tobacco
manufacturers.
SALE OF STOCK TO ICAHN. On May 16, 2001, Vector entered into a stock
purchase agreement with High River Limited Partnership, an investment entity
owned by Carl C. Icahn, in which High River agreed to purchase for $50,000
1,639,344 shares of Vector's common stock at a price of $30.50 per share, the
market price when negotiations with Mr. Icahn were completed. The closing of the
purchase of the shares occurred on May 31, 2001.
BGLS PRIVATE PLACEMENT. On May 14, 2001, BGLS issued at a discount
$60,000 principal amount of 10% senior secured notes due March 31, 2006 in a
private placement to institutional investors. BGLS received net proceeds from
the offering of approximately $49,700 before fees and expenses of $3,200.
ACQUISITION OF LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. On May 7,
2001, GBI Capital Management Corp. ("GBI") acquired all of the outstanding
common stock of New Valley's 80.1% subsidiary, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
("Ladenburg"), for 23,218,599 shares, $10,000 cash and $10,000 principal amount
of senior convertible notes due December 31, 2005, and the name
- 31 -
33
of GBI was changed to Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. ("LTS"). The
notes bear interest at 7.5% per annum and are convertible into 4,799,271 shares
of LTS common stock. Upon closing, New Valley also acquired an additional
3,945,060 shares of LTS from the former Chairman of LTS for $1.00 per share.
Following completion of the transactions, New Valley owned 53.6% and 49.5% of
the common stock of LTS, an American Stock Exchange-listed company, on a basic
and fully-diluted basis.
To provide the funds for the acquisition of the common stock of
Ladenburg, LTS borrowed $10,000 from Frost-Nevada, Limited Partnership
("Frost-Nevada") and issued to Frost-Nevada $10,000 principal amount of senior
convertible notes due December 31, 2005. The notes bear interest at 8.5% per
annum and are convertible into 6,497,475 shares of LTS common stock. These
notes, together with the notes issued to the Ladenburg stockholders, are secured
by a pledge of the Ladenburg stock.
The information above is based on preliminary estimates of the number
of shares of LTS common stock and the conversion price of the LTS notes to be
issued to the former stockholders of Ladenburg and the conversion price of the
LTS note issued to Frost-Nevada. The actual number of shares and the conversion
prices may be further adjusted following completion of a post-closing
determination of the respective changes in the adjusted net worths of Ladenburg
and LTS through April 30, 2001.
The transaction has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting as a reverse acquisition. For accounting purposes, Ladenburg has been
treated as the acquirer of LTS as Ladenburg's stockholders held a majority of
the LTS common stock following the closing of the transaction. As of May 7,
2001, LTS is accounted for as a consolidated subsidiary of New Valley.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN LEGISLATION, REGULATION AND LITIGATION
The cigarette industry continues to be challenged on numerous fronts.
New cases continue to be commenced against Liggett and other cigarette
manufacturers. As of June 30, 2001, there were approximately 311 individual
suits, 40 purported class actions and 117 governmental and other third-party
payor health care reimbursement actions pending in the United States in which
Liggett was a named defendant. In addition to these cases, during 2000, an
action against cigarette manufacturers involving approximately 1,200 named
individual plaintiffs was consolidated before a single West Virginia state
court. Liggett is a defendant in most of the cases pending in West Virginia.
Approximately 38 other purported class action complaints have been filed against
the cigarette manufacturers for alleged antitrust violations. As new cases are
commenced, the costs associated with defending these cases and the risks
relating to the inherent unpredictability of litigation continue to increase.
An unfavorable verdict was returned in the first phase of the ENGLE
smoking and health class action trial pending in Florida. In July 2000, the jury
awarded $790,000 in punitive damages against Liggett in the second phase of the
trial, and the court entered an order of final judgment. Liggett intends to
pursue all available post-trial and appellate remedies. If this verdict is not
eventually reversed on appeal, or substantially reduced by the court, it will
have a material adverse effect on Vector. Liggett has filed the $3,450 bond
required under recent Florida legislation which limits the size of any bond
required, pending appeal, to stay execution of a punitive damages verdict. On
May 7, 2001, Liggett reached an agreement with the class in the ENGLE case,
which will provide assurance to Liggett that the stay of execution, currently in
effect under the Florida bonding statute, will not be lifted or limited at any
point until completion of all appeals, including to the United States Supreme
Court. As required by the agreement, Liggett paid $6,273 into an escrow account
to be held for the benefit of the ENGLE class, and released, along with
Liggett's existing $3,450 statutory bond, to the court for the benefit of the
class upon completion of the appeals process, regardless of the outcome of the
appeal. It is possible that
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34
additional cases could be decided unfavorably and that there could be further
adverse developments in the ENGLE case. Management cannot predict the cash
requirements related to any future settlements and judgments, including cash
required to bond any appeals, and there is a risk that those requirements will
not be able to be met.
In recent years, there have been a number of restrictive regulatory
actions from various Federal administrative bodies, including the United States
Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. There have
also been adverse political decisions and other unfavorable developments
concerning cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry, including the
commencement and certification of class actions and the commencement of
third-party payor actions. These developments generally receive widespread media
attention. Vector is not able to evaluate the effect of these developing matters
on pending litigation or the possible commencement of additional litigation, but
Vector's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows
could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome in any
smoking-related litigation. See Part II, Item 1, "Legal Proceedings" and Note 11
to Vector's consolidated financial statements for a description of legislation,
regulation and litigation.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------------- -------------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
REVENUES:
Liggett ................. $ 180,533 $ 138,560 $ 317,669 $ 245,462
Liggett-Ducat(1) ........ -- 49,084 -- 89,330
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total tobacco ........ 180,533 187,644 317,669 334,792
Broker-dealer(2) ........... 21,231 18,300 40,296 48,596
Real estate(3) ............. 2,425 820 5,066 1,591
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues ....... $ 204,189 $ 206,764 $ 363,031 $ 384,979
========= ========= ========= =========
OPERATING INCOME:
Liggett ................. $ 33,139 $ 15,636 $ 42,843 $ 24,690
Liggett-Ducat(1) ........ -- 1,287 -- 1,643
Vector Tobacco .......... (6,782) (2,459) (11,216) (3,194)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total tobacco ........ 26,357 14,464 31,627 23,139
Broker-dealer(2) ........... (3,688) 163 (4,052) 5,046
Real estate(3) ............. (711) (2,113) (630) (4,096)
Corporate and other(3) ..... (6,258) (2,449) (10,438) (4,166)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating income $ 15,700 $ 10,065 $ 16,507 $ 19,923
========= ========= ========= =========
- -----------------
(1) Liggett-Ducat's revenues and operating income are included through June
30, 2000.
(2) The acquired operations of LTS are included in the Company's results of
operations commencing May 7, 2001.
(3) New Valley's interest in Western Realty Development is included in real
estate operations for the 2001 periods and in corporate and other for
the 2000 periods when it was accounted for on the equity method.
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35
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000
REVENUES. Total revenues were $204,189 for the three months ended June
30, 2001 compared to $206,764 for the three months ended June 30, 2000. This
1.2% decrease in revenues ($2,575) was due the absence of revenues ($49,084)
from Liggett-Ducat offset by a $41,973 increase of revenues at Liggett, a $2,931
increase in revenues at LTS and a $1,605 increase in revenues from real estate
operations.
TOBACCO REVENUES. During 2000, the major cigarette manufacturers,
including Liggett, announced list price increases of $3.30 per carton. In April
2001, the major cigarette manufacturers, including Liggett, announced list price
increases of $1.40 per carton.
Total tobacco revenues were $180,533 for the three months ended June
30, 2001 compared to $187,644 for the three months ended June 30, 2000. This
3.8% decrease in revenues was due to a loss of revenues when Liggett-Ducat was
sold in August 2000 partially offset by a 30.3% increase in revenues at Liggett.
Revenues at Liggett increased by $41,973 for both the premium and discount
segments due to a 38.2% increase in unit sales volume (approximately 611.1
million units), accounting for $52,981 in favorable volume variance, and price
increases of $6,939, partially offset by an unfavorable sales mix of $17,947.
Premium sales at Liggett for the second quarter of 2001 amounted to
$21,969 and represented 12.2% of Liggett's total sales, compared to $14,839 and
10.7% of Liggett's sales in the second quarter of 2000. In the premium segment,
revenues increased by 48.0% ($7,130) for the three months ended June 30, 2001,
compared to the prior year period, due to a favorable volume variance of $4,549,
reflecting a 30.7% increase in unit sales volume (approximately 42.0 million
units), and to price increases of $2,581.
Discount sales at Liggett (comprising the brand categories of branded
discount, private label, control label, generic and international) for the three
months ended June 30, 2001 amounted to $158,564 and represented 87.8% of
Liggett's total sales, compared to $123,721 and 89.3% of Liggett's sales for the
three months ended June 30, 2000. In the discount segment, revenues grew by
28.2% ($34,843) for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the prior
year period, due to a 38.9% increase in unit sales volume (approximately 569.1
million units) accounting for $48,186 in volume variance along with price
increases of $4,358, partially offset by an unfavorable product mix among the
discount brand categories of $17,701.
For the three months ended June 30, 2001, fixed manufacturing costs at
Liggett on a basis comparable to 2000 were $911 lower than in the same period in
2000, with costs per thousand units of $1.52 per thousand declining 46.9%
($1.34) from $2.86 in the prior period, due to the 50.3% increase in production
volume.
TOBACCO GROSS PROFIT. The Company's gross profit was $125,928 for the
three months ended June 30, 2001 representing an increase of $23,851 when
compared to the 2000 period, a period which also included the gross profit of
Liggett-Ducat. Liggett's gross profit increased $31,008 from gross profit of
$94,770 for the second quarter of 2000 primarily due to the volume and price
increases and the manufacturing efficiencies discussed above.
In the second quarter of 2001, Liggett's premium brand contributed
13.6% and Liggett's discount brands contributed 86.4% to Vector's gross profit
as compared with the second quarter 2000 when Liggett's premium brand
contributed 10.5%, Liggett's discount brands contributed 82.5% and Liggett-Ducat
contributed 7.0% of Vector's gross profit. As a percent of revenues (excluding
federal excise taxes), gross profit at Liggett increased to 87.7% for the three
months ended June 30, 2001 compared to 84.6% for the same period in 2000, with
gross profit for the premium segment at 90.7% and 85.8% for the second quarter
2001 and 2000, respectively, and gross profit for the discount segment at 87.3%
and 84.4% for the second quarter 2001 and 2000, respectively. These increases
are the result of 38.2% growth in unit sales volume (611.1 million
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36
units), the July and December 2000 and April 2001 list price increases and
improved production variances.
BROKER-DEALER AND REAL ESTATE REVENUES. For the three months ended June
30, 2001, LTS's revenues were $21,231 and real estate revenues were $2,425.
LTS's revenues for the second quarter of 2001 increased $2,931 as compared to
revenues for the second quarter of 2000 primarily as a result of an increase in
principal transactions offset by a decrease in corporate finance fees and in
commissions. The increase in principal transactions was primarily the result of
the LTS acquisition, which added an additional $2,357 of principal transactions
from the acquired operations of LTS, and the expansion of Ladenburg's trading
and brokerage activities. The decrease in commissions was primarily the result
of a less active market for equity securities offset by the impact of the
acquisition of LTS, which provided $4,724 of additional commission income. The
decrease in corporate finance fees was primarily due to the decrease in capital
markets activity for the three months ended June 30, 2001.
Revenues from the real estate operations for the second quarter of 2001
increased $1,605 primarily due to the inclusion of the rental revenue of Western
Realty Development, which became a consolidated subsidiary on December 29, 2000,
offset by lower revenues as a result of the sale of one of New Valley's two U.S.
shopping centers.
EXPENSES. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were
$133,852 for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to $111,067 for the
same period last year, an increase of $22,785 primarily due to increased
expenses at Liggett of $13,538, increased expenses at Vector Tobacco of $4,323,
a small increase in real estate operating expenses and an increase in expenses
at LTS. The increase in operating expenses at Liggett was due primarily to
higher spending for promotional and marketing programs partially offset by the
absence of factory relocation costs and a reduction in administrative expenses.
Expenses at Vector Tobacco for the three months ended June 30, 2001 were $6,782,
compared to expenses of $2,459 in the prior year period. The increase was
attributable to increased spending for the development of Vector Tobacco's
planned new OMNI and OMNI Nicotine Free products.
LTS's expenses for the second quarter of 2001 increased $4,988 as
compared to expenses for the second quarter of 2000 due primarily to increases
in various brokerage and clearing expenses of $2,047 and compensation expense of
$1,732 associated with the acquired operations of LTS.
Expenses of the real estate operations increased $295 in the 2001 due
primarily to the inclusion of the expenses of $2,208 of Western Realty
Development in 2001 offset by lower expenses as a result of the sale of one of
New Valley's two U.S. shopping centers and lower expense at BrookeMil. BrookeMil
incurred expenses of $94 and $1,672 for the three month periods ended June 30,
2001 and 2000, respectively. For the 2000 period, BrookeMil's expenses consisted
primarily of accrued interest expense of $1,277 associated with the
participating loan from Western Realty Repin to BrookeMil in connection with the
development of the Kremlin sites.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES). For the three months ended June 30, 2001,
other income was $219 compared to other expense of $8,362 for the three months
ended June 30, 2000.
Interest and dividend income was $2,037 for the three months ended June
30, 2001, an increase of $385 when compared to interest income of $1,652 in the
prior year period.
Interest expense was $2,273 for the three months ended June 30, 2001
compared to $11,814 for the same period last year. This decrease of $9,541 was
due to a savings of $4,171 at corporate because of the redemption by BGLS of all
of its 15.75% senior secured notes in 2000, the absence of interest expense at
Brooke (Overseas) and lower interest expense at Liggett and New Valley.
- 35 -
37
Gain on the sale of investments at New Valley was $288 compared to a
gain of $1,438 in the prior year period.
For the three months ended June 30, 2001, equity in earnings of
affiliate was a loss of $102 compared to a loss of $1,362 for the second quarter
of 2000, which was partially offset by a foreign currency gain of $312 in the
2000 period.
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS. The income from continuing
operations for the three months ended June 30, 2001 was $10,992 compared to
income of $2,946 for the three months ended June 30, 2000. Income tax expense
for the second quarter of 2001 was $7,971 compared to $640 for the second
quarter of 2000. The effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30,
2001 and June 30, 2000 do not bear a customary relationship to pre-tax
accounting income principally as a consequence of non-deductible expenses in
2001 and foreign taxes in 2000.
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000
REVENUES. Total revenues were $363,031 for the six months ended June
30, 2001 compared to $384,979 for the three months ended June 30, 2000. This
5.7% decrease in revenues ($21,948) was due to the absence of revenues ($89,330)
from Liggett-Ducat and an $8,300 decrease in revenues at LTS, offset by a
$72,207 increase of revenues at Liggett and a $3,475 increase in real estate.
TOBACCO REVENUES. Total tobacco revenues were $317,669 for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 compared to $334,792 for the six months ended June
30, 2000. This 5.1% decrease in revenues was due to a loss of revenues when
Liggett-Ducat was sold in August 2000 partially offset by a 29.4% increase in
revenues at Liggett. Revenues at Liggett increased by $72,207 for both the
premium and discount segments due to a 35.5% increase in unit sales volume
(approximately 999.9 million units), accounting for $87,044 in positive volume
variance, and price increases of $14,847, partially offset by an unfavorable
sales mix of $29,684.
Premium sales at Liggett for the six months ended June 30, 2001
amounted to $36,099 and represented 11.4% of Liggett's total sales, compared to
$30,531 and 12.4% of Liggett's sales in the same period in 2000. In the premium
segment, revenues increased by 18.2% ($5,568) for the six months ended June 30,
2001, compared to the prior year period, due to a favorable volume variance of
$1,786, reflecting a 5.8% increase in unit sales volume (approximately 16.5
million units), combined with price increases of $3,782.
Discount sales at Liggett for the six months ended June 30, 2001
amounted to $281,570 and represented 88.6% of Liggett's total sales, compared to
$214,931 and 87.6% of Liggett's sales for the six months ended June 30, 2000. In
the discount segment, revenues grew by 31.0% ($66,639) for the six months ended
June 30, 2001 compared to the prior year period, due to price increases of
$11,065, along with a 38.8% increase in unit sales volume (approximately 983.4
million units), accounting for $83,292 in volume variance, partially offset by
an unfavorable product mix among the discount brand categories of $27,718.
For the six months ended June 30, 2001, fixed manufacturing costs at
Liggett on a basis comparable to 2000 were $425 lower than in the same period in
2000, with costs per thousand units of $1.66 per thousand declining 35.2%
($0.90) from $2.56 in the prior period, due to the 45.9% increase in production
volume.
TOBACCO GROSS PROFIT. Liggett's gross profit was $222,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 representing an increase to the Company of $41,650
when compared to the 2000 period, a period which also included the gross profit
of Liggett-Ducat. Liggett's gross profit increased $53,971 from gross profit of
$168,029 for the six months of 2000 primarily due to the volume and price
increases and the manufacturing efficiencies discussed above.
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38
In the first six months of 2001, Liggett's premium brand contributed
12.6% and Liggett's discount brands contributed 87.4% to Vector's gross profit
as compared with the same period in 2000 when Liggett's premium brand
contributed 12.2%, Liggett's discount brands contributed 81.0% and Liggett-Ducat
contributed 6.8% of Vector's gross profit. As a percent of revenues (excluding
federal excise taxes), gross profit at Liggett increased to 87.6% for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 compared to 84.5% for the same period in 2000, with
gross profit for the premium segment at 90.2% and 85.8% for the six months ended
June 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and gross profit for the discount segment
at 87.3% and 84.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. These increases are the result of 35.5% growth in unit sales
volume (999.9 million units), the July and December 2000 and April 2001 list
price increases and improved production variances.
BROKER-DEALER AND REAL ESTATE REVENUES. For the six months ended June
30, 2001, LTS's revenues were $40,296 and real estate revenues were $5,066.
LTS's revenues for the first six months of 2001 decreased $8,300 as compared to
revenues for the same period in 2000 primarily due to decreases in commissions
and corporate finance fees offset by an increase in principal transactions. The
increase in principal transactions was primarily the result of the LTS
acquisition, which added an additional $2,357 of principal transactions from the
acquired operations of LTS, and the expansion of Ladenburg's trading and
brokerage activities. The decrease in commissions was primarily the result of a
less active market in equity securities offset by the impact of the acquisition
of LTS, which provided $4,724 of additional commission income. The decrease in
corporate finance fees was primarily due to the decrease in capital markets
activity for the six months ended June 30, 2001.
Revenues from the real estate operations for the six months ended June
30, 2001 increased $3,475 primarily due to the inclusion of the rental revenue
of Western Realty Development, which became a consolidated subsidiary on
December 29, 2000, offset by lower revenues as a result of the sale of one of
New Valley's two U.S. shopping centers.
EXPENSES. Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were
$241,358 for the six months ended June 30, 2001 compared to $210,812 for the
same period last year, an increase of $30,546 primarily due to increased
expenses at Liggett of $26,123, increased expenses at Vector Tobacco of $8,022
and a small increase in real estate operating expenses offset by a decrease in
expenses at LTS. The increase in operating expenses at Liggett was due primarily
to higher spending for promotional and marketing programs partially offset by
the absence of factory relocation costs. Expenses at Vector Tobacco for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 were $11,216, compared to expenses of $3,194 in the
prior year period. The increase was attributable to increased spending for the
development of Vector Tobacco's planned new OMNI and OMNI Nicotine Free
products.
For the six months ended June 30, 2001, Liggett operating income was
reduced by $9,723 of expense relating to the ENGLE class action. As discussed in
Note 11 to Vector's consolidated financial statements, on May 7, 2001, Liggett
reached an agreement with the class in the ENGLE case, which will provide
assurance to Liggett that the stay of execution, currently in effect pursuant to
the Florida bonding statute, will not be lifted or limited at any point until
completion of all appeals, including to the United States Supreme Court. As
required by the agreement, Liggett paid $6,273 into an escrow account to be held
for the benefit of the ENGLE class, and released, along with Liggett's existing
$3,450 statutory bond, to the court for the benefit of the class upon completion
of the appeals process, regardless of the outcome of the appeal. As a result,
Vector recorded a $9,723 pre-tax charge to the consolidated statement of
operations for the first quarter of 2001.
LTS's expenses for the first six months of 2001 decreased $2,142 as
compared to expenses for the same period in 2000 due primarily to a decrease in
incentive based compensation as a result of the decline in revenues, offset by
increased brokerage and clearing expenses associated with the acquired
operations of LTS.
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39
Expenses of the real estate operations decreased $1,268 in the 2001 due
primarily to lower expense at BrookeMil and the sale of one of New Valley's
shopping centers. BrookeMil incurred expenses of $406 and $3,290 for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. For the 2000 period,
BrookeMil's expenses consisted primarily of accrued interest expense of $2,873
associated with the participating loan from Western Realty Repin to BrookeMil in
connection with the development of the Kremlin sites.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES). For the six months ended June 30, 2001, other
income was $3,114 compared to other expense of $14,161 for the prior year
period.
Interest and dividend income was $4,219 for the six months ended June
30, 2001, an increase of $1,037 when compared to interest income of $3,182 in
the prior year period.
Interest expense was $3,531 for the six months ended June 30, 2001
compared to $23,570 for the same period last year. This decrease of $20,039 was
due to a savings of $9,601 at corporate because of the redemption by BGLS of all
of its 15.75% senior secured notes in 2000, the absence of interest expense at
Brooke (Overseas) and lower interest expense at Liggett and New Valley.
Gain on the sale of investments at New Valley was $753 compared to a
gain of $6,191 in the prior year period.
For the six months ended June 30, 2001, equity in earnings of affiliate
was a loss of $102 compared to a loss of $2,913 for the first half of 2000,
which was partially offset by a foreign currency gain of $1,535 in the 2000
period.
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS. The income from continuing
operations for the six months ended June 30, 2001 was $13,522 compared to income
of $3,592 for the six months ended June 30, 2000. Income tax expense for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 was $10,019 compared to $2,314 for the prior year
period. The effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and June
30, 2000 do not bear a customary relationship to pre-tax accounting income
principally as a consequence of non-deductible expenses in 2001 and foreign
taxes in 2000.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Net cash and cash equivalents increased $63,043 for the six months
ended June 30, 2001 and increased $12,923 for the six months ended June 30,
2000. Net cash provided by operations for the six months ended June 30, 2001 was
$3,964 compared to net cash used in operations of $3,556 for the comparable
period of 2000. Cash provided by operations for the six months ended June 30,
2001 related to net increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of
$13,365, noncash expenses such as depreciation and amortization ($5,396)
and stock based compensation expense ($3,105) partially offset by a net increase
in current assets of $17,655. Cash used in the 2000 period for operating
activities resulted principally from lower net income at Liggett and
Liggett-Ducat and a gain on the sale of securities at New Valley offset by a
reduction in debt service due to the Company's repurchase of $150,294 of the
BGLS senior secured notes.
Cash used in investing activities of $27,678 compares to cash provided
of $1,646 for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. For the
six months ended June 30, 2001, cash was used primarily for capital expenditures
of $36,560, purchase of long-term investments of $5,717, purchase by New Valley
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40
of subsidiary common stock of $6,342 and payment of prepetition claims of
$2,624. These expenditures were offset primarily by $12,811 of sales of
businesses and assets including the proceeds from the sale of one of New
Valley's shopping centers, sales at Liggett of a warehouse facility, machinery
and equipment, and the sale or maturity of long-term investments of $9,744. For
the six months ended June 30, 2000, proceeds are primarily attributable to net
sales of marketable securities and long-term investments of $29,126 and the
decrease in restricted assets of $3,394 offset primarily by capital expenditures
of $21,429 and purchase of long-term investments and investment securities of
$5,732.
Cash provided by financing activities was $86,757 for the six months
ended June 30, 2001 compared to cash provided of $14,966 for the six months
ended June 30, 2000. In the 2001 period, proceeds from debt were $82,132 offset
by repayments on debt of $13,037. Net repayments on the revolving credit
facilities were $19,374. In addition, cash was provided by the issuance of
common stock of $50,000 as well as the exercise of warrants and options of
$12,586. This was offset by distributions on common stock of $21,998 and
decreases of $2,536 in margin loans payable and cash overdraft. Cash was
provided in the 2000 period primarily through net borrowings under credit
facilities of $24,312 and an increase in margin loans payable of $4,414. These
amounts were offset by net repayments on debt of $3,584 and distributions on
common stock of $10,869.
LIGGETT. Liggett has a $35,000 credit facility under which $0 was
outstanding at June 30, 2001. Availability under the facility was approximately
$27,417 based on eligible collateral at June 30, 2001. The facility is
collateralized by all inventories and receivables of Liggett. Borrowings under
the facility, whose interest is calculated at a rate equal to 1.0% above First
Union's (the indirect parent of Congress Financial Corporation, the lead lender)
prime rate, bore a rate of 7.0% at June 30, 2001. The facility requires
Liggett's compliance with certain financial and other covenants including a
restriction on the payment of cash dividends unless Liggett's borrowing
availability under the facility for the 30-day period prior to the payment of
the dividend, and after giving effect to the dividend, is at least $5,000. In
addition, the facility, as amended, imposes requirements with respect to
Liggett's adjusted net worth (not to fall below $8,000 as computed in accordance
with the agreement) and working capital (not to fall below a deficit of $17,000
as computed in accordance with the agreement). At June 30, 2001, Liggett was in
compliance with all covenants under the credit facility; Liggett's adjusted net
worth was $30,918 and net working capital was $22,006, as computed in accordance
with the agreement. The facility expires on March 8, 2003 subject to automatic
renewal for an additional year unless a notice of termination is given by the
lender at least 60 days prior to the anniversary date.
During 1999, 100 Maple Lane LLC, a new company formed by Liggett to
purchase an industrial facility in Mebane, North Carolina, borrowed $5,040 from
the lender under Liggett's credit facility, of which $3,960 was outstanding at
June 30, 2001. In July 2001, Liggett borrowed an additional $2,340 under the
loan. In addition, the lender extended the term of the loan so that it is
payable in 59 monthly installments of $75 including annual interest at 1% above
the prime rate with a final payment of $1,875. Liggett has guaranteed the loan,
and a first mortgage on the Mebane property collateralizes the Maple Lane loan
and Liggett's credit facility. Liggett completed the relocation of its
manufacturing operations to this facility in October 2000.
In January 1999, Liggett purchased equipment for $5,750 and borrowed
$4,500 to fund the purchase, of which $3,690 was outstanding at June 30, 2001.
The loan, which was collateralized by the equipment and guaranteed by BGLS and
the Company, was payable in 60 monthly installments of $56 including annual
interest of 7.67% with a final payment of $2,550. The loan was repaid in July
2001 in connection with the sale of the equipment. In March 2000, Liggett
purchased equipment for $1,000 under a capital lease which is payable in 60
monthly installments of $21 with an effective annual interest rate of 10.14%. In
April 2000, Liggett purchased equipment for $1,071 under two capital leases
which are payable in 60 monthly installments of $22 with an effective interest
rate of 10.20%.
- 39 -
41
Liggett (and, in certain cases, Brooke Group Holding, Vector's
predecessor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BGLS) and other United States
cigarette manufacturers have been named as defendants in a number of direct and
third-party actions (and purported class actions) predicated on the theory that
they should be liable for damages from cancer and other adverse health effects
alleged to have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to so-called
secondary smoke from cigarettes. Vector believes, and has been so advised by
counsel handling the respective cases, that Brooke Group Holding and Liggett
have a number of valid defenses to claims asserted against them. Litigation is
subject to many uncertainties. An unfavorable verdict was returned in the first
phase of the Engle smoking and health class action trial pending in Florida. In
July 2000, the jury awarded $790,000 in punitive damages against Liggett in the
second phase of the trial, and the court entered an order of final judgment.
Liggett intends to pursue all available post-trial and appellate remedies. If
this verdict is not eventually reversed on appeal, or substantially reduced by
the court, it will have a material adverse effect on Vector. Liggett has filed
the $3,450 bond required under recent Florida legislation which limits the size
of any bond required, pending appeal, to stay execution of a punitive damages
verdict. On May 7, 2001, Liggett reached an agreement with the class in the
Engle case, which will provide assurance to Liggett that the stay of execution,
currently in effect pursuant to the Florida bonding statute, will not be lifted
or limited at any point until completion of all appeals, including to the United
States Supreme Court. The agreement calls for the payment by Liggett of $6,273
into an escrow account to be held for the benefit of the Engle class, and
released, along with Liggett's existing $3,450 statutory bond, to the court for
the benefit of the class upon completion of the appeals process, regardless of
the outcome of the appeal. It is possible that additional cases could be decided
unfavorably and that there could be further adverse developments in the Engle
case. Management cannot predict the cash requirements related to any future
settlements and judgments, including cash required to bond any appeals, and
there is a risk that those requirements will not be able to be met. An
unfavorable outcome of a pending smoking and health case could encourage the
commencement of additional similar litigation. In recent years, there have been
a number of adverse regulatory, political and other developments concerning
cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry. These developments generally receive
widespread media attention. Neither Vector nor Liggett is able to evaluate the
effect of these developing matters on pending litigation or the possible
commencement of additional litigation or regulation. See Note 11 to Vector's
consolidated financial statements.
Management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or
range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the cases pending
against Brooke Group Holding or Liggett or the costs of defending such cases. It
is possible that Vector's consolidated financial position, results of operations
or cash flows could be materially adversely affected by an unfavorable outcome
in any such tobacco-related litigation.
VECTOR RESEARCH. In February 2001, a subsidiary of Vector Research Ltd.
purchased equipment for $15,500 and borrowed $13,175 to fund the purchase, of
which $13,055 was outstanding at June 30, 2001. The loan, which is
collateralized by the equipment and a letter of credit from Vector for $775, is
guaranteed by Vector Research, BGLS and Vector. The loan is payable in 120
monthly installments of $125 including annual interest of 7.78% with a final
payment of $6,125.
VECTOR TOBACCO. In June 2001, Vector Tobacco purchased for $8,400 an
industrial facility in Roxboro, North Carolina. Vector Tobacco financed the
purchase with an $8,200 loan, payable in 60 monthly installments of $85,
including annual interest at 4.85% above the LIBOR rate, with a final payment of
approximately $3,160. The loan, which is collateralized by a mortgage and a
letter of credit of $1,750, is guaranteed by BGLS and Vector.
BGLS. On May 14, 2001, BGLS issued at a discount $60,000 principal
amount of 10% senior secured notes due March 31, 2006 in a private placement.
BGLS received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $46,500.
- 40 -
42
The notes are collateralized by substantially all of BGLS' assets,
including a pledge of BGLS' equity interests in its direct subsidiaries,
including Brooke Group Holding, Brooke (Overseas), Vector Tobacco and New Valley
Holdings, Inc., as well as a pledge of the shares of Liggett and all of the New
Valley securities held by BGLS and New Valley Holdings. The purchase agreement
for the notes contains covenants, which among other things, limit the ability of
BGLS to make distributions to Vector to 50% of BGLS' net income, unless BGLS
holds $50,000 in cash after giving effect to the payment of the distribution,
limit additional indebtedness of BGLS, Liggett and Vector Tobacco to 250% of
EBITDA (as defined in the purchase agreement) for the trailing 12 months,
restrict transactions with affiliates subject to exceptions which include
payments to Vector not to exceed $9,500 per year for permitted operating
expenses, and limit the ability of BGLS to merge, consolidate or sell certain
assets.
Prior to May 24, 2003, BGLS may redeem up to $21,000 of the notes at a
redemption price of 105% of the accreted value with proceeds from one or more
equity offerings. BGLS may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a
redemption price of 103% of accreted value in the year beginning May 14, 2003,
102% of accreted value in the year beginning May 14, 2004 and 100% of accreted
value after May 14, 2005. During the term of the notes, BGLS is required to
offer to repurchase all the notes at a purchase price of 101%, in the event of a
change of control, and to offer to repurchase notes, at the redemption prices,
with the proceeds of material asset sales.
VECTOR. Vector believes that it will continue to meet its liquidity
requirements through 2001. Corporate expenditures (exclusive of Liggett and New
Valley) over the next twelve months for current operations include cash interest
expense of approximately $6,000 (an estimated $17,000 after giving effect to the
BGLS private placement and the Vector offering of convertible notes), dividends
on Vector's shares (currently at an annual rate of approximately $47,000) and
corporate expenses. Vector anticipates funding its expenditures for current
operations with available cash resources, the proceeds from the public and/or
private debt and equity financing, management fees from subsidiaries and tax
sharing and other payments from Liggett or New Valley. New Valley may acquire or
seek to acquire additional operating businesses through merger, purchase of
assets, stock acquisition or other means, or to make other investments, which
may limit its ability to make such distributions.
During the second quarter of 2001, Vector issued approximately
3,700,000 shares of its common stock in connection with the sale of common stock
to an investment entity owned by Carl C. Icahn and on exercise of warrants and
options by other persons and entities. Vector received proceeds of approximately
$62,500 from these issuances of common stock.
In July 2001, Vector completed the sale of $172,500 of its 6.25%
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008. Vector intends to use the net proceeds
of the offering of notes, together with the proceeds from the placement of BGLS'
senior secured notes and the $50 million investment in Vector's common stock by
an entity owned by Mr. Icahn, for general corporate purposes, including the
funding of the planned advertising and promotion of Vector Tobacco's new OMNI
and OMNI Nicotine Free cigarette products and the pursuit of strategic
acquisitions by Liggett of smaller tobacco manufacturers.
MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risks principally from fluctuations in
interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices. The Company
seeks to minimize these risks through its regular operating and financing
activities and its long-term investment strategy.
FOREIGN MARKET RISK
BrookeMil's and Western Realty Development's operations are conducted
in Russia. The Russian Federation continues to experience economic difficulties
following the financial crisis
- 41 -
43
of August 1998. Consequently, the country's currency continues to devalue, there
is continued volatility in the debt and equity markets, hyperinflation persists,
confidence in the banking sector has yet to be restored and there continues to
be a general lack of liquidity in the economy. In addition, laws and regulations
affecting businesses operating within the Russian Federation continue to evolve.
The Russian Federation's return to economic stability is dependent to a
large extent on the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government,
decisions of international lending organizations, and other actions, including
regulatory and political developments, which are beyond Vector's control. The
Company's Russian operations of may be significantly affected by these factors
for the foreseeable future.
DOMESTIC MARKET RISK
New Valley's market risk management procedures cover all market risk
sensitive financial instruments.
Current and proposed underwriting, corporate finance, merchant banking
and other commitments at LTS are subject to due diligence reviews by LTS's
senior management, as well as professionals in the appropriate business and
support units involved. Credit risk related to various financing activities is
reduced by the industry practice of obtaining and maintaining collateral. LTS
monitors its exposure to counterparty risk through the use of credit exposure
information, the monitoring of collateral values and the establishment of credit
limits.
EQUITY PRICE RISK. LTS maintained inventories of trading securities at
June 30, 2001 with fair values of $12,628 in long positions and $7,876 in short
positions. LTS performed an entity-wide analysis of its financial instruments
and assessed the related risk and materiality. Based on this analysis, in the
opinion of management the market risk associated with the LTS's financial
instruments at June 30, 2001 will not have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position or results of operations of Vector.
New Valley held investment securities available for sale totaling
$24,906 at June 30, 2001. Adverse market conditions could have a significant
effect on the value of New Valley's investments.
New Valley also holds long-term investments in limited partnerships and
limited liability companies. These investments are illiquid, and their ultimate
realization is subject to the performance of the investee entities.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities." SFAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be
recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of
derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive
income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge
transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Vector adopted SFAS
No. 133 on January 1, 2001, the effect of which did not have a material impact
on its balance sheet since Vector is not engaged in significant hedging
activities.
During 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF No. 00-14,
"Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives", EITF Issue No. 00-14 addresses the
recognition, measurement and statement of earnings classification for certain
sales incentives and will be effective in the first quarter of 2002. As a
result, certain items previously included in operating, selling, general and
administrative expense in the consolidated statement of earnings will be
recorded as a reduction of operating revenues. Vector has determined that the
impact of adoption or subsequent application
- 42 -
44
of EITF Issue No. 00-14 will not have a material effect on its consolidated
financial position or results of operations. Upon adoption, prior period
amounts, which are not expected to be significant, will be reclassified to
conform to the new requirements.
In April 2001, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-25, "Vendor
Income Statement Characterization of Consideration to a Purchaser of the
Vendor's Products or Services." EITF Issue No. 00-25 requires that certain
expenses included in marketing, administration and research costs be recorded as
a reduction of operating revenues and will be effective in the first quarter of
2002. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of EITF
Issue No. 00-25.
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" and
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS No. 141 requires that
the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations
initiated after June 30, 2001, establishes specific criteria for the recognition
of intangible assets separately from goodwill and requires unallocated negative
goodwill to be written off. SFAS No. 142 primarily addresses the accounting for
goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. SFAS No. 141 is
effective for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, and SFAS
No. 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The
Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, of the adoption of these
statements.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Company and its representatives may from time to time make oral or
written "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Reform Act of 1995, including any statements that may be contained in
the foregoing discussion in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations", in this report and in other filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its reports to stockholders, which
reflect management's current views with respect to future events and financial
performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties and, in connection with the "safe-harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Reform Act, the Company has identified under "Risk Factors"
in Item 1 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking
statement made by or on behalf of the Company.
Results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results
included in these forward-looking statements as a result of these or other
factors. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the
date on which such statements are made. The Company does not undertake to update
any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf
of the Company.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk" is incorporated
herein by reference.
- 43 -
45
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Reference is made to Note 11, incorporated herein by reference, to
the Company's consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in this Report on Form 10-Q which contains a general description
of certain legal proceedings to which Brooke Group Holding, BGLS,
New Valley or their subsidiaries are a party and certain related
matters. Reference is also made to Exhibit 99.1 for additional
information regarding the pending smoking-related material legal
proceedings to which Brooke Group Holding and/or Liggett are
party. A copy of Exhibit 99.1 will be furnished to security
holders of the Company and its subsidiaries without charge upon
written request to the Company at its principal executive offices,
100 S.E. Second St., Miami, Florida 33131, Attn. Investor
Relations.
Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
No securities of the Company which were not registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been issued or sold by
the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2001, except for
(i) the private offering of 6.25% convertible subordinated notes
due 2008 to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule
144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and (ii) the grants of stock
options to employees of the Company and/or its subsidiaries as
described in Note 10 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements. The grants of stock options were effected in reliance
on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the second quarter of 2001, the Company submitted the
following matters to a vote of stockholders at its Annual Meeting
of Stockholders held on June 4, 2001. Proxies for the Annual
Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The matters voted upon at the Annual Meeting were the election of
five directors and the following is a tabulation of the results:
Total shares of common stock outstanding as of April 17, 2001 (the
record date) - 25,667,018
Total shares of common stock voted in person or by
proxy - 22,924,815
Election of Directors:
For Withhold
---------- --------
Robert J. Eide 22,913,625 11,190
Bennett S. LeBow 22,913,368 11,447
Howard M. Lorber 22,913,625 11,190
Jeffrey S. Podell 22,913,625 11,190
Jean E. Sharpe 22,913,625 11,190
- 44 -
46
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) EXHIBITS
* 10.1 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001,
between BGLS Inc. and TCW Leveraged Income Trust, L.P., TCW
Leveraged Income Trust II, L.P., TCW LINC II CBO Ltd.,
POWRs 1997-2, Captive II Finance Ltd. and AIMCO CDO, Series
2000-A (the "Purchasers"), relating to the 10% Senior
Secured Notes due March 31, 2006 (the "Notes"), including
the form of Note (the "Note Purchase Agreement")
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in the Company's
Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
* 10.2 Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001, by
and among BGLS Inc., Brooke Group Holding Inc., Vector
Group Ltd., New Valley Holdings, Inc., United States Trust
Company of New York, as collateral agent for the benefit of
the holders of the Notes pursuant to the Note Purchase
Agreement (the "Collateral Agent"), and the Purchasers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in the Company's
Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
* 10.3 Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001
between BGLS Inc. and the Collateral Agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 in the Company's Form 8-K dated
May 14, 2001).
* 10.4 Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2001,
between New Valley Holdings, Inc. and the Collateral Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in the Company's
Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
* 10.5 Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001,
between Brooke Group Holding Inc. and the Collateral Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in the Company's
Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
* 10.6 Acknowledgment and Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 14,
2001, between Vector Group Ltd. and the Collateral Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 in the Company's
Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
* 10.7 Account Control Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2001,
between BGLS Inc., Bank of America, N.A. and the Collateral
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 in the
Company's Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
* 10.8 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated May 16, 2001, between High
River Limited Partnership and Vector Group Ltd.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 in the Company's
Form 8-K dated May 14, 2001).
99.1 Material Legal Proceedings.
* 99.2 New Valley Corporation's Interim Consolidated Financial
Statements for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2001
and 2000 (incorporated by reference to New Valley's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 2001, Commission File No. 1-2493).
- ---------------------
* Incorporated by reference
- 45 -
47
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The Company filed the following Reports on Form 8-K
during the second quarter of 2001:
Financial
Date Items Statements
---- ----- ----------
May 14, 2001 5, 7 None
June 29, 2001 5, 7 None
- 46 -
48
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
(REGISTRANT)
By: /s/ Joselynn D. Van Siclen
-------------------------------------
Joselynn D. Van Siclen
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Date: August 14, 2001
- 47 -
1
EXHIBIT 99.1
I. GOVERNMENTAL HEALTH CARE RECOVERY ACTIONS
THE NAVAJO NATION V. PHILIP MORRIS, INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
WR-CV-449-99, District Court of the Navajo Nation, Judicial District of
Window Rock, Arizona (case filed 8/11/99). The Navajo nation seeks
civil penalties, damages, remediation through tobacco education and
anti-addiction programs, injunctive relief, attorney's fees and cost.
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS
INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC194217, Superior Court of California,
County of Los Angeles (case filed 7/14/98). People seek injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement with respect to damages allegedly
caused by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO MISSION INDIANS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS,
INC., ET AL., Case No. 725419, Superior Court of California, County of
San Diego (case filed 10/30/98). This personal injury class action is
brought on behalf of plaintiff tribe and all similarly situated
American Indian smokers resident in California.
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS
INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 980-864, Superior Court of California,
County of San Francisco (case filed 8/5/98). People seek injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement with respect to damages allegedly
caused by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA V. THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE, INC., ET AL., Case No.
1:98CV01185, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 5/18/98). The
Republic of Guatemala seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for
damages incurred by the Republic in paying for the medicaid expenses of
indigent smokers.
UKRAINE V. AMERICAN BRANDS, ET AL., Case No. 1:99CV03080, USDC,
District of Columbia (case filed 11/19/99). Ukraine seeks compensatory
and injunctive relief for damages incurred by the country in paying for
the healthcare expenses of resident smokers.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No.
1:99CVO2496, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 9/22/99). The
United States of America seeks to recover health care costs paid for
and furnished, and to be paid for and furnished, by the federal
government through Medicare and otherwise, for lung cancer, heart
disease, emphysema and other tobacco-related illnesses. In October
2000, the District Court dismissed the government's claims pursuant to
the Medicare Secondary Payor Act and the Medical Cost Recovery Act, but
denied motions to dismiss RICO claims.
CITY OF BELFORD ROXO, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No.01-10911-CA-10, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of Belford
Roxo seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for personal
2
injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco
products manufactured by defendants.
REPUBLIC OF BELIZE V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-8320-CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida,
Miami-Dade County (case filed 4/5/01). The Republic of Belize seeks
reimbursement of the funds expended on behalf of those injured by and
addicted to tobacco products.
REPUBLIC OF BELIZE V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
01-10922 CA 10 Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida,
Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/01). The Republic of Belize seeks
reimbursement for damages, injunctive and declaratory relief to recover
lost tobacco duties and taxes.
CITY OF BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET
AL., Case No.01-10920-CA-04, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of
Belo Horizonte seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
CITY OF CARAPICUBIA, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 01-10910-CA-24, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of
Carapicuiba seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
CITY OF DUQUE DE CAXIAS, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET
AL., Case No. 01-10917-CA-13, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of
Duque De Caxias seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages
for personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use
of tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-1951-CA-27, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 1/21/00). The Republic of
Ecuador seeks reimbursement of the funds expended on behalf of those
injured by and addicted to tobacco products.
REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-04653-CA-10, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of
Florida, Miami-Dade County. The Republic of Ecuador seeks to recover
damages suffered by Ecuador, due to alleged misconduct of Defendants,
specifically loss of taxes and violations to Florida RICO Acts.
2
3
REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-13920-CA-10, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 2/23/01). The Republic of
Ecuador seeks to recover damages suffered by Ecuador, due to alleged
misconduct of Defendants, specifically loss of taxes and violations to
Florida RICO Acts.
THE STATE OF ESPIRITO SANTO, BRAZIL V. BROOKE GROUP LTD., ET AL., Case
No. 00-07472-CA- 03, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State
of Florida, Miami-Dade County. The State of Espirito Santo, Brazil
seeks reimbursement for all costs and damages incurred by the State.
THE STATE OF GOIAS, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 99-24202-CA 02, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
State of Florida-Dade County (case filed 10/19/99). The State of Goias,
Brazil seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
01-10921 CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida,
Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/01). The Republic of Honduras seeks
reimbursement for damages, injunctive and declaratory relief to recover
lost tobacco duties and taxes.
CITY OF JOAO PESSOA, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 01-10919-CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of Joao
Pessoa seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
CITY OF JUNDIAI, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case
No. 01-10924-CA-10, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The State of Jundiai
seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for personal
injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco
products manufactured by defendants.
THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC V. THE BROOKE GROUP LTD., ET AL., Case No. 01-01740
CA-25, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade
County. The Kyrgyz Republic seeks compensatory and injunctive relief
for damages for personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk
regarding the use of tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
3
4
CITY OF MAGE, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Circuit
Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case
filed 5/8/2001). The City of Mage seeks compensatory and injunctive
relief for damages for personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk
regarding the use of tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
THE STATE OF MATO GROSSO DO SUL , BRAZIL, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS
COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Dade County (case filed 7/19/00). The State of Mato Grasso do
Sul, Brazil seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
CITY OF NILOPOLIS - RJ, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET
AL., Case No. 01-10916-CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of
Nilopolis seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
CITY OF NOVA IGUACU - RJ, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET
AL.,Case No. 01-10909-CA-24, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001).The City of
Nova Iguacu seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
THE STATE OF PARA, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No.01-10925-CA-23, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The State of Para
seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for personal
injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco
products manufactured by defendants.
THE STATE OF PARANA, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 01-10908-CA-02, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The State of Parana
seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for personal
injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco
products manufactured by defendants.
THE STATE OF PIAUI, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC, ET AL.,
Case No. 00-32238 CA 30, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 12/13/00). The State of Piaui,
Brazil seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
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CITY OF RIO DE JANERIO, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET
AL., Case No. 01-10911-CA-10, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The City of
Rio De Janerio seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
THE STATE OF RONDONIA, BRAZIL V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC, ET AL.,
Case No. 01-10907-CA-09, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit,
Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The State of Rondonia
seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for personal
injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco
products manufactured by defendants.
THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION , ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC, ET
AL., Case No. 00-20918 CA 24, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 8/28/00). The Russian
Federation seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for
personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of
tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
CITY OF SAO BERNARDO DO CARMPO, BRAZIL V, PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES,
INC., ET AL., Case No. 01-10918-CA-11, Circuit Court of the 11th
Judicial Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 5/8/2001). The
City of Sao Bernardo Do Carmpo seeks compensatory and injunctive relief
for damages for personal injuries and misrepresentation of risk
regarding the use of tobacco products manufactured by defendants.
REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN V. THE BROOKE GROUP LTD., ET AL., Case No.
01-01736 CA-24, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida,
Miami-Dade County. The Republic of Tajikistan seeks compensatory and
injunctive relief for damages for personal injuries and
misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco products
manufactured by defendants.
THE STATE OF TOCANTINS, BRAZIL, ET AL. V. THE BROOKE GROUP LTD., INC.,
ET AL., Case No. 00-28101 CA 05, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial
Circuit, Florida, Miami-Dade County. The State of Tocantins, Brazil
seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages for personal
injuries and misrepresentation of risk regarding the use of tobacco
products manufactured by defendants.
REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case
No. 99-01943-CA-01, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State
of Florida, Miami-Dade County (case filed 1/27/99). The Republic of
Venezuela seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages incurred
by the Republic in paying for the Medicaid expenses of indigent
smokers.
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COUNTY OF COOK V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97L04550, Circuit
Court, State of Illinois, Cook County (case filed 7/21/97). County of
Cook seeks to obtain declaratory and equitable relief and restitution
as well as to recover money damages resulting from payment by the
County for tobacco-related medical treatment for its citizens and
health insurance for its employees.
COUNTY OF MCHENRY, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 00L
007949, Circuit Court, Cook County, Illinois (case filed 7/13/00).
County of McHenry seeks monetary damages, civil penalties, declaratory
and injunctive relief, restitution, and disgorgement of profits
REPUBLIC OF PANAMA V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, INC., ET AL., Case
No. 98-17752, Civil District Court, State of Louisiana, Orleans Parish
(case filed 10/20/98). The Republic of Panama seeks compensatory and
injunctive relief for damages incurred by the Republic in paying for
the medicaid expenses of indigent smokers.
THE STATE OF SAO PAULO V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case
No. 20 00-02058, Civil District Court, Louisiana, Parish of Orleans
(case filed 2/9/00). The State of Sao Paulo seeks reimbursement of the
funds expanded on behalf of those injured by and addicted to
Defendants's tobacco products.
COUNTY OF WAYNE V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., USDC, Eastern
District, Michigan., County of Wayne seeks to obtain damages,
remediation through tobacco education and anti-addiction programs,
injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS, ET AL. V. AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. CV-982-09652, Circuit Court, State of Missouri, City of St.
Louis, (case filed 12/4/98). City of St. Louis and area hospitals seek
to recover past and future costs expended to provide healthcare to
Medicaid, medically indigent, and non-paying patients suffering from
tobacco-related illnesses.
COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI V. AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, INC., ET
AL., Case No. 982-09705, Circuit Court, State of Missouri, City of St.
Louis, (case filed 12/10/98). County seeks to recover costs from
providing healthcare services to Medicaid and indigent patients, as
part of the State of Missouris terms as a party to the Master
Settlement Agreement.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF ONTARIO, THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND
LONG TERM CARE V. IMPERIAL TOBACCO LIMITED, ET AL., Case No. 00CIV1593,
USDC, Southern District of New York. Plaintiff brings this federal
civil RICO action for the purpose of obtaining recoupment of its
tobacco-related health cost, as well as such other relief as will
afford a full and complete remedy.
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THE SISSETON-WAHPETON SIOUX TRIBE V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET
AL., Case No. 030399, Tribal Court of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux
Tribe, State of North Dakota (case filed 2/3/99). Indian tribe seeks
equitable and injunctive relief for damages incurred by the tribe in
paying for the expenses of indigent smokers. -
REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-2380
RLA, USDC, District of Puerto Rico (case filed 12/10/98). The Republic
of Nicaragua seeks compensatory and injunctive relief for damages
incurred by the Republic in paying for the medicaid expenses of
indigent smokers.
THE CROW CREEK SIOUX TRIBE V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL.,
Case No. CV 97-09-082, Tribal Court of The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe,
State of South Dakota (case filed 9/26/97). Indian tribe seeks
equitable and injunctive relief for damages incurred by the tribe in
paying for the expenses of indigent smokers.
ALABAMA COUSHATTA TRIBE OF TEXAS, THE V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY,
ET AL., Case No. 1: 00CV-596, USDC, Texas, Eastern District (case filed
8/30/2000). The Tribe seeks to have the tobacco companies' liability to
the Tribe judicially recognized and to restore to the tribe those funds
spent for smoking-attributable costs by the Tribe itself and the
various State and Federal health services
REPUBLIC OF BOLIVIA V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
6949*JG99, District Court, State of Texas, Brazoria County, State of
Texas (case filed 1/20/99). The Republic of Bolivia seeks compensatory
and injunctive relief for damages incurred by the Republic in paying
for the medicaid expenses of indigent smokers.
THE STATE OF RIO DE JANERIO OF THE FEDERATED REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL V.
PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET al., Case No. CV-32198, District of
Angelina County, State of Texas (case filed 7/12/99). The State of Rio
de Janerio of The Federated Republic of Brazil seeks compensatory and
injunctive relief for damages incurred by the Republic in paying for
the medicaid expenses of indigent smokers.
II. THIRD-PARTY PAYOR ACTIONS
UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNIONS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET
AL., Case No. CV-97-1340, Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa, Alabama (case
filed 11/13/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief
and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
LABORERS' AND OPERATING ENGINEERS UTILITY AGREEMENT V. PHILIP MORRIS,
ET AL., Case No. CIV97-1406 PHX, USDC, District of Arizona (case filed
7/29/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
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economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
ARKANSAS CARPENTERS HEALTH & WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL.,
Case No. LR-C-97-0754, USDC, Eastern District of Arkansas (case filed
9/4/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
FIBREBOARD CORPORATION, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL.,
Case No. 791919-8, Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
(case filed 11/10/97). Asbestos company seeks reimbursement for damages
paid to asbestos victims for medical and other relief, which damages
allegedly are attributable to the tobacco companies.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GENERAL TEAMSTERS SECURITY FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP
MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 798492-9, Superior Court of California,
County of Alameda (case filed 5/22/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund
seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys
expended by fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TILE INDUSTRY HEALTH & WELFARE TRUST FUND V. PHILIP
MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 996822, Superior Court of California,
County of San Francisco (case filed 5/98). Health and Welfare Trust
Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover
moneys expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its
participants and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related
illnesses.
PIPE TRADES DISTRICT COUNCIL NO. 36 HEALTH AND WELFARE TRUST FUND V.
PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 797130-1, Superior Court of
California, County of Alameda (case filed 4/16/98). Health and Welfare
Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to
recover moneys expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its
participants and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related
illnesses.
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD - PRODUCERS HEALTH PLAN, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS,
ET AL., Case No. DC181603, Superior Court of California, County of Los
Angeles (case filed 11/20/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
SIGN, PICTORIAL AND DISPLAY INDUSTRY WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS,
INC., ET AL., Case No. 994403, Superior Court of California, County of
San Francisco (case filed 4/16/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
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by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
STATIONARY ENGINEERS LOCAL 39 HEALTH & WELFARE TRUST FUND V. PHILIP
MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. C-97-1519-DLJ, USDC, Northern District of
California (case filed 4/25/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
TEAMSTERS BENEFIT TRUST V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 796931-5,
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda (case filed 4/20/98).
Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic
reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide medical
treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
UA LOCAL NO. 159 HEALTH AND WELFARE TRUST FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC.,
ET AL., Case No. 796938-8, Superior Court of California, County of
Alameda (case filed 4/15/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
UA LOCAL NO. 343 HEALTH AND WELFARE TRUST FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC.,
ET AL., Case No. 796956-4, Superior Court of California, County of
Alameda. Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
UA LOCAL NO. 393 HEALTH AND WELFARE TRUST FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC.,
ET AL., Case No. 798474-3, Superior Court of California, County of
Alameda (case filed 5/21/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
HOLLAND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 1:98CV01716,
USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 7/9/98). Asbestos company seeks
reimbursement for damages paid to asbestos victims for medical and
other relief, which damages allegedly are attributable to the tobacco
companies.
OBRA SOCIAL DEL PERSONAL, ET AL. V. AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 01-0002279, Superior Court, District of Columbia (case
filed3/23/2001). Labor unions seeking reimbursement for damages for
medical and other relief, allegedly are attributable to the tobacco
companies.
S.E.I.U. LOCAL 74 WELFARE FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 1:98CV01569, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 6/22/98).
Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic
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reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide medical
treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION HEALTH AND WELFARE TRUST FUND, ET
AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC. ET al., Case No. 1:98CV00704, USDC, District
of Columbia (case filed 3/19/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
SHEET METAL WORKERS TRUST FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 1:99CVO2326, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 8/31/99).
Sheet Metal Workers Trust Fund seeks to obtain injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to their participants and beneficiaries suffering
from smoking-related illnesses.
RAYMARK INDUSTRIES, INC. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No.
1:97-CV-2711-RCF, USDC, Northern District of Georgia (case filed
11/5/97). Asbestos company seeks reimbursement for damages paid to
asbestos victims for medical and other relief, which damages allegedly
are attributable to the tobacco companies.
ARKANSAS BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS
INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 98 C 2612, USDC, Northern District of
Illinois (case filed 5/22/98). Seven Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans seek
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by healthcare plans to provide medical treatment to its participants
and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS LABORERS HEALTH & WELFARE TRUST FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP
MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-L516, USDC, Southern District of Illinois
(case filed 5/22/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
CENTRAL STATES JOINT BOARD HEALTH & WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET
AL., Case No. 97L12855, USDC, Northern District of Illinois (case filed
10/30/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS, LOCAL 734 HEALTH & WELFARE
TRUST FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97L12852, USDC, Northern
District of Illinois (case filed 10/30/97). Health and Welfare Trust
Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover
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moneys expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its
participants and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related
illnesses.
TEAMSTERS UNION NO. 142, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No.
71C019709CP01281, USDC, Northern District of Indiana (case filed
9/15/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Union Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
CARPENTERS & JOINERS WELFARE FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL.,
Case No. 60,633-001, USDC, District of Minnesota (case filed 12/31/97).
Health and Welfare Trust Plan seeks injunctive relief and economic
reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide medical
treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
GROUP HEALTH PLAN, INC., ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No.
98-1036 DSD/JMM, USDC, Second Judicial District, Ramsey County, State
of Minnesota (case filed 3/13/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
ASBESTOS CLAIMS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET
AL., Case No. 2000-616, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County
(case filed 4/18/2001). Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek
recovery of compensatory and punitive damages for injuries caused
wholly or in substantial part by tobacco products.
ASBESTOS CLAIMS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET
AL., Case No. 2001-85, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Claiborne County
(case filed 4/18/2001). Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek
recovery of compensatory and punitive damages for injuries caused
wholly or in substantial part by tobacco products.
COMBUSTION ENGINEERING, INC., ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, ET AL., Case No.
2000-617, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed
4/18/01). Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of
compensatory and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in
substantial part by tobacco products.
COMBUSTION ENGINEERING, INC., ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, ET AL., Case No.
2001-86, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Claiborne County (case filed
4/18/01). Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of
compensatory and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in
substantial part by tobacco products.
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GASKET HOLDINGS, ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET AL. Case No. 2000-225,
Chancery Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 12/18/2000).
Asbestos company seeks reimbursement for damages paid to asbestos
victims for medical and other relief, which damages allegedly are
attributable to the tobacco companies.
GASKET HOLDINGS, ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET AL., Case No.
2001-065, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Claiborne County (case filed
4/18/01). Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of
compensatory and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in
substantial part by tobacco products.
KAISER ALUMINUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, ET AL V. RJR NABSICO, ET AL.,
Case No. 2000-615, Circuit Court of Mississippi, Jefferson County (case
filed 12/15/00). Asbestos company seeks reimbursement for damages paid
to asbestos victims for medical and other relief, which damages
allegedly are attributable to the tobacco companies.
OWENS-ILLINOIS, INC. V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00-0077, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Sharkey County (case filed
4/9/01).Manufacture seeks reimbursement for damages paid to asbestos
victims for medical and other relief, which damages allegedly are
attributable to the tobacco companies.
T & N, LTD., ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET AL., Case No. 2000-68,
Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 4/18/01).
Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of compensatory
and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in substantial part
by tobacco products.
T & N, LTD., ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET AL., Case No. 2001-87,
Circuit Court, Mississippi, Claiborne County (case filed 4/18/01).
Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of compensatory
and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in substantial part
by tobacco products.
THOMAS, EZELL, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case
No. 96-0065, Circuit Court of Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed
10/9/98). Plaintiffs in this putative personal injury class action seek
a judgment against both tobacco companies and asbestos companies, and
represent all similarly situated adult smokers resident in the state of
Mississippi. Owens Corning Fiberglass is also a plaintiff in this
action and seeks reimbursement for damages paid to asbestos victims for
medical and other relief, which damages allegedly are attributable to
the tobacco companies.
UNIROYAL HOLDING, INC., ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., Case No. 2000-627,
Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 4/4/2001).
Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of compensatory
and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in substantial part
by tobacco products.
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W. R. GRACE & CO.-CONN., ET AL. V. RJR NABISCO, INC., ET AL., Case No.
2001-58, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed
5/23/01). Manufacturing and individuals plaintiffs seek recovery of
compensatory and punitive damages for injuries caused wholly or in
substantial part by tobacco products.
CONSTRUCTION LABORERS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS WELFARE FUND, Case No.
4:97CV02030ERW, USDC, Eastern District of Missouri (case filed
12/1/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
CONTRACTORS, LABORERS, TEAMSTERS & ENGINEERS HEALTH & WELFARE PLAN V.
PHILIP MORRIS, INC. ET AL., Case No. 8:98CV364, USDC, District of
Nebraska (case filed 8/17/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
BERGERON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No. CV 99 6142,
USDC, State of New York, Eastern District (case filed 10/8/99). This
action seeks is brought on behalf of the trustees and fiduciaries of
the Massachusetts State Carpenters Health and Benefits Funds on behalf
of themselves and other similarly situated trustees of Taft Hartley
Health & Welfare funds.
BETRIEBSKRANKENKASSE AKTIV, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET
AL., Case No. CV 00 5413, USDC, New York, Eastern District (case filed
9/8/2000). Eight German health insurance provider seeks injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended for
treatments of tobacco related diseases.
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS,
INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. CV-98-3287(JBW), USDC, Eastern District
of New York (case filed 4/29/98). Twenty-five health plans seek to
recover moneys expended on healthcare costs purportedly attributed to
tobacco-related diseases caused by Defendants.
DAY CARE COUNCIL-LOCAL 205 D.C. 1707 WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET
AL., Case No. 606240/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County
(case filed 12/4/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
EASTERN STATES HEALTH AND WELFARE FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET
AL., Case No. 603869/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County
(case filed 7/28/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
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provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
IBEW LOCAL 25 HEALTH AND BENEFIT FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case
No. 122255/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
11/25/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
IBEW LOCAL 363 WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No.
122254/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
11/25/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
KEENE CREDITORS TRUST V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORP., ET AL., Case
no. 606479/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
12/19/97). Asbestos company seeks reimbursement for damages paid to
asbestos victims for medical and other relief, which damages allegedly
are attributable to the tobacco companies.
LABORERS' LOCAL 17 HEALTH BENEFIT FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET
AL., Case No. 98-7944, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, State of New York
(case filed 7/17/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive
relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and benefactors suffering
from smoking-related illnesses.
LOCAL 1199 HOME CARE INDUSTRY BENEFIT FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL.,
Case No. 606249/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case
filed 12/4/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief
and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
LOCAL 1199 NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND FOR HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES EMPLOYEES
V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 606241/97, Supreme Court of New
York, New York County (case filed 12/4/97). Health and Welfare Trust
Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover
moneys expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its
participants and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related
illnesses.
LOCAL 138, 138A & 138B INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS
WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 122257/97, Supreme
Court of New York, New York County (case filed 11/25/97). Health and
Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement
to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its
participants and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related
illnesses.
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LOCAL 840 INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS HEALTH & INSURANCE
FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 122256/97, Supreme Court of New
York, New York County (case filed 11/25/97). Health and Welfare Trust
Fund seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover
moneys expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its
participants and beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related
illnesses.
LONG ISLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS WELFARE LOCAL 840
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS HEALTH & INSURANCE FUND V.
PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 122258/97, Supreme Court of New York,
New York County (case filed 11/25/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund
seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys
expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
NATIONAL ASBESTOS WORKERS MEDICAL FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS
INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 98-1492, USDC, Eastern District of New
York (case filed 3/23/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
PUERTO RICAN ILGWU HEALTH & WELFARE FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case
No. 604785-97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
11/25/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
RAYMARK INDUSTRIES, INC. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No.
98-CV-675, USDC, Eastern District of New York (case filed 5/21/98).
Asbestos company seeks reimbursement for damages paid to asbestos
victims for medical and other relief, which damages allegedly are
attributable to the tobacco companies.
UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS WELFARE FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET
AL., Case No. 97-CIV-4676, USDC, Southern District of New York (case
filed 7/17/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief
and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to
provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
UNR ASBESTOS-DISEASE CLAIMS TRUST V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case
No. 105152/99, Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County
(case filed 3/15/99). The Trust brings this action to recover
contribution, indemnity and/or reimbursement from the tobacco
defendants.
STEAMFITTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 420 WELFARE FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS,
INC, ET AL., Case No. 97-CV-5344, USDC, Eastern District of
Pennsylvania (case filed 10/7/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
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injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
TEXAS CARPENTERS HEALTH BENEFIT FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL.,
Case No. 1:97C0625, USDC, Eastern District of Texas (case filed
11/7/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
REGENCE BLUESHIELD, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case
No. C98-559R, USDC, Western District of Washington (case filed
4/29/98). Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans seek injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by healthcare plans
to provide medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries
suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
WEST VIRGINIA LABORERS' PENSION TRUST FUND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL.,
Case No. 397-0708, USDC, Southern District of West Virginia (case filed
8/27/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks injunctive relief and
economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended by Fund to provide
medical treatment to its participants and beneficiaries suffering from
smoking-related illnesses.
WEST VIRGINIA - OHIO VALLEY AREA I.B.E.W., ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP
INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-C-2135, USDC, Southern District of West
Virginia (case filed 9/19/97). Health and Welfare Trust Fund seeks
injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys expended
by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
MILWAUKEE CARPENTERS' DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALTH FUND, ET AL. V. PHILIP
MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 98CV002394, Circuit Court of Wisconsin,
Milwaukee County (case filed 3/30/98). Health and Welfare Trust Fund
seeks injunctive relief and economic reimbursement to recover moneys
expended by Fund to provide medical treatment to its participants and
beneficiaries suffering from smoking-related illnesses.
III. CLASS ACTION CASES
FLETCHER, ET AL. V. BROOKE GROUP LTD., Civil Action No. 97-913, Circuit
Court of Mobile County, Alabama (Case filed 3/19/97). Nationwide class
of individuals alleging smoking-related claims. The limited fund
settlement was preliminarily approved by the court in December 1998.
Final approval of the limited fund settlement was denied on July 22,
1999. A motion for reconsideration of that order presently is pending.
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HANSEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
LR-C-96-881, USDC, Eastern District of Arkansas (case filed 4/4/97).
This "addiction-as-injury" putative class action is brought on behalf
of plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly addicted smokers
resident in Arkansas.
BROWN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 711400,
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (case filed 10/1/97).
This personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and
all similarly situated allegedly injured smokers resident in
California.
SMOKERS FOR FAIRNESS, LLC, ET AL. V. THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL.,
Case No. 7076751, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
(case filed 9/25/98). Plaintiffs bring this putative class action on
behalf of all similarly situated adult smokers resident in the State of
California.
ARNITZ, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Circuit Court of
the 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County, Florida (case filed
6/30/00). Plaintiffs are seeking class action representation, similarly
to ENGLE, with the exception that this class action applies to class
members diagnosed after July 15, 1997 with lung cancer, throat cancer
or cancer of the oral cavity.
SIMS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 1:01CV01107,
USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 5/23/01). Plaintiffs bring this
class action is brought to recover the purchase price paid by
plaintiffs and class members while they were under age through the use
of fraud, deception, misrepresentation and other activities
constituting racketeering, in violation of federal law.
ENGLE, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 94-08273 CA 20,
Circuit Court, State of Florida, Dade County (case filed 5/5/94). This
personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all
similarly situated allegedly injured smokers resident in Florida. The
case was certified as a class action on October 31, 1994. Trial
commenced in July 1998. See Note 11, Contingencies, for a more detailed
discussion of this case.
CANTER, ET AL., V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., (f/k/a
PETERSON) Case No. 97-0490-02, First Circuit Court of the First
Circuit, State of Hawaii (case filed 2/6/97, 9/5/2000). This
"addiction-as-injury" putative class action is brought on behalf of
plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly addicted smokers
resident in Hawaii.
CLAY, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
97-4167-JPG, USDC, Southern District of Illinois (case filed 5/22/97).
This "addiction-as-injury" putative class action is brought on behalf
of plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly addicted smokers
resident in 34 states.
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CLEARY, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 98 L06427,
Circuit Court of the State of Illinois, Cook County (case filed
6/11/98). This personal injury class action is brought on behalf of
plaintiff and all similarly situated smokers resident in Illinois.
NORTON, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 48-D01-9605-CP-0271,
Superior Court of Indiana, Madison County (case filed 5/3/96). This
personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all
similarly situated injured smokers resident in Indiana.
BRAMMER, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 4-97-CV-10461, USDC,
Southern District of Iowa (case filed 6/30/97). This
"addiction-as-injury" putative class action is brought on behalf of
plaintiffs and all similarly situated allegedly addicted smokers
resident in Iowa.
CASTANO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
95-30725, USDC, Eastern District of Louisiana (case filed 3/29/94).
This case was settled by Liggett and Brooke on March 12, 1996.
Nationwide "addiction-as-injury" class action was decertified by the
Fifth Circuit in May 1996.
GRANIER, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., USDC, Eastern
District of Louisiana (case filed 9/29/94). This case currently is
stayed pursuant to a decision in CASTANO. -------
YOUNG, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
2:97-CV-03851, Civil District Court, State of Louisiana, Orleans Parish
(case filed 11/12/97). This personal injury class action is brought on
behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly injured
smokers resident in Louisiana.
RICHARDSON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No.
96145050/CL212596, Circuit Court, Baltimore City, Maryland (case filed
on 5/29/96). This "addiction-as-injury" putative class action is
brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly
addicted smokers resident in Maryland.
LEWIS, TARJI, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INCORPORATED, ET AL.,Case No.
MICV2000-03447, Superior Court, Massachusetts, Middlesex County. This
class action is brought on behalf of Massachusetts residents who began
smoking under the legal age and who now wish to quit.
NATIONAL TOBACCO CONSUMERS' GROUP NUMBER 2 V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO
COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00CV11408RGS, USDC, Massachusetts, District
of Massschusetts (case filed 7/18/00). This addiction-as-injury class
action is brought on behalf of Massachusetts residents.
VANDERMEULEN, THERESA, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 00-030548 CZ, Circuit Court, Michigan, Wayne County. This
class action is brought on behalf of all Michigan smokers due to
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defendants' negligence, violation of Michigan Consumer Protection Act,
breach of contract/warranty and fraudulent concealment.
WHITE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 5:97-CV-91BRS,
Chancery Court of Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 4/24/97).
This personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and
all similarly situated allegedly injured smokers resident in
Mississippi.
BADILLO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
CV-N-97-573-HDM (RAM), USDC, District of Nevada (case filed 11/4/97).
This action is brought on behalf of all Nevada casino workers that
allegedly have been injured by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
DIENNO, VITO AND MARTIN N. HALLNAN, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET
AL., Case No. CV-S-98-489-DWH (RLH), District Court, Clark County,
Nevada (case filed 12/22/97). This action is brought on behalf of all
Nevada casino workers that allegedly have been injured by exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke.
SELCER, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. CV-S-97-00334-PMP
(RLH), USDC, District of Nevada (case filed 9/3/97). This personal
injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly
situated allegedly injured smokers resident in Nevada.
AVALLONE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
MID-L-4883-98, Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County (case
filed 5/5/98). This personal injury class action is brought on behalf
of plaintiff and all similarly situated non-smokers allegedly injured
from exposure to second hand smoke resident in New Jersey.
COSENTINO, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. L-5135-97,
Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Middlesex County (case
filed 5/21/97). This "addiction-as-injury" putative class action is
brought on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly
addicted smokers resident in New Jersey.
GEIGER, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Index No.
10657/97, Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed
1/12/97). This personal injury class action is brought on behalf of
plaintiff and all similarly situated injured smokers resident in New
York.
NWANZE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-CIV-7344, USDC,
Southern District of New York (case filed 10/17/97). This action is
brought on behalf of all prisoners nationwide that have allegedly been
injured by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Liggett has not
been served.
SIMON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INC, ET AL., Case No CV 99 1998, USDC,
Eastern District of New York (case filed 4/9/99), This personal injury
action is brought on behalf of plaintiffs seeking certification of a
nation wide class under the applicable provisions of Rule 23 of the
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Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, on behalf of persons who have smoked
defendant's cigarettes and who presently have a claim for personal
injuries or damages, or wrongful death, arising from the smoking of
defendants' cigarettes.
CREEKMORE, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION, ET AL.,
Case No. 98 CV 03403, Superior Court of North Carolina, Buncombe County
(case filed 11/19/98). This personal injury class action is brought on
behalf of plaintiffs and all similarly situated allegedly injured
smokers resident in North Carolina.
CORCORAN, ET AL. V. ASSOCIATED WHOLESALERS, INC.(AWI), ET AL., Case No.
01-CV-2755, Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County
(case filed 5/25/01). The Plaintiffs and class members bring this
action in order to recoup monies required to pay in treating indigent,
non-paying patients as a result of tobacco related illnesses.
SWEENEY, ET AL. V. AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
GD98-16226, Court of Common Pleas, State of Pennsylvania, Allegheny
County (case filed 10/15/98). This putative class action is brought on
behalf of all current smokers who began smoking prior to the age of
eighteen resident in the State of Pennsylvania.
MYERS, ET AL. V. ARTHUR A. HAYES, JR., ET AL. Case No. 00C1773, Circuit
Court, Davidson County, Tennessee. This action is for injunctive relief
and damages. Plaintiffs allege a class action against the tobacco
defendants for their smoking related medical expenses paid by Medicaid
and/or Tenn care under in violation of 42 USCS 1981 et seq., 18 USCS
241 (Conspiracy against rights), and 42 USCS 1986.
BUSH, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 597CV180, USDC, Eastern
District of Texas (case filed 9/22/97). Two individuals suing on behalf
of a class of individuals. This case currently is stayed until 5/10/99.
COLE, ET AL. V. THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE, ET AL., Case No. 1:97CV0256,
USDC, Eastern District of Texas (case filed 5/12/97). Two individuals
suing on behalf of a class of individuals.
MASON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
7-97CV-293-X, USDC, Northern District of Texas (case filed 12/23/97).
This nationwide taxpayer putative class action seeks reimbursement of
Medicare expenses made by the United States government. Transferred to
the Eastern District of New York
HERRERA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
2:98-CV-00126, USDC, District of Utah (case filed 1/28/98). This
personal injury class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff and all
similarly situated allegedly injured smokers under the age of nineteen
[at time of original filing] resident in Utah.
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JACKSON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 980901634PI,
3rd Judicial Court of Utah, Salt Lake County (case filed 3/10/98). This
"addiction-as-injury" class action is brought on behalf of plaintiff
and all similarly situated allegedly injured smokers resident in Utah.
INGLE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-C-21-S, Circuit
Court, State of West Virginia, McDowell County (case filed 2/4/97).
This personal injury putative class action is brought on behalf of
plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly injured smokers resident
in West Virginia.
MCCUNE V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 97-C-204,
Circuit Court, State of West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed
1/31/97). This "addiction-as-injury" putative class action is brought
on behalf of plaintiff and all similarly situated allegedly addicted
smokers resident in West Virginia.
PARSONS, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-C-388,
Circuit Court, State of West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed
4/9/98). This personal injury class action is brought on behalf of
plaintiff's decedent and all West Virginia residents having claims for
personal injury arising from exposure to both cigarette smoke and
asbestos fibers.
WALKER, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 2:97-0102, USDC,
Southern District of West Virginia (case filed 2/12/97). Nationwide
class certified and limited fund class action settlement preliminarily
approved with respect to Liggett and Brooke Group on May 15, 1997.
Class decertified and preliminary approval of settlement withdrawn by
order of district court on August 5, 1997, which order currently is on
appeal to the Fourth Circuit.
IV. INDIVIDUAL SMOKER CASES
SPRINGER V. LIGGETT GROUP INC. AND LIGGETT & MYERS, INC., Case No.
LR-C-98-428, USDC, Eastern District of Arkansas (case filed 7/19/98).
Two individuals suing. Liggett only defendant.
BAKER, ET AL V. SAFEWAY, INC., ET AL., Case No. 304532, Superior Court
of California, County of San Francisco(case filed 6/28/99). Two
individuals suing.
BIRREN, D., ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. RIC
356880, Superior Court, Riverside County, California (case filed
04/03/01). Two individuals suing.
BROWN, D., ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC
226245, Superior Court, Los Angeles County, California (case filed
3/9/00). One individual suing. Liggett has not been served.
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BROWN V., ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00AS02085, Superior Court, Sacramento County, California (case filed
4/18/00). Two individuals suing.
CHANDLER V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC226097,
Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County (case filed 3/7/00).
One individual suing.
CONER V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC227929,
Superior Court, California, Los Angeles (case filed 3/7/00). One
individual suing.
COOPER V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC227929,
Superior Court, California, Los Angeles County (case filed 4/7/00). One
individual suing.
CRAYTON V. SAFEWAY, INC., ET AL., Case No. RDC 820871-0, Superior
Court, Alameda County, California (case filed 1/18/00). One individual
suing.
DONALDSON, ET AL. V. RAYBESTOS MANHATTAN, INC., ET AL., Case No.998147,
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (case filed
9/25/98). Two individuals suing.
ELLIS V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 804002, Superior
Court of California, County of Orange (case filed 1/13/99). One
individual suing.
JOHNSON, ET AL V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC
226246, Superior Court, Los Angeles County, California (case filed
3/9/00) Five individuals suing. Liggett has been served.
LAMB, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. RIC
343417, Superior Court, Riverside County, California (case filed
5/26/00). Two individuals suing.
MORSE V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 822825-9,
Superior Court, Alameda County, California. One individual suing.
NORMADIN, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION, ET AL.,
Case No. H215192-12, Superior Court, California, Alameda County (case
filed 8/25/00). One individual suing.
REIN V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 807453-1, Superior
Court of California, County of Alameda (case filed 5/5/99). One
individual suing.
REYNOLDS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
SC024107, Superior Court of California, County of Ventura (case filed
10/04/99). Two individuals suing.
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ROBINSON, ET AL. V. RAYBESTOS-MANHATTAN, INC., ET AL., Case No. 996378,
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (case filed
7/23/98). Two individuals suing.
ROBINSON, ET AL. V. RAYBESTOS- MANHATTAN, ET AL., Case No. 309286,
Superior Court, California, County of San Francisco (case filed
1/18/00). Three individuals suing.
SELLERS, ET AL. V. RAYBESTOS-MANHATTAN, ET AL., Case No. 996382,
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (case filed
7/23/98). Two individuals suing.
SOLIMAN V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL, Case No. 31105, Superior
Court, San Francisco County, California (case filed 3/28/00). One
individual suing.
STERN, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. M37696, Superior
Court of California, County of Monterey (case filed 4/28/97). Two
individuals suing.
WILLIAMS V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. BC227930,
Superior Court, California, Los Angeles County (case filed 4/7/00). One
individual suing.
PLUMMER, BRENDA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO., Case No. 6480,
Superior Court, District of Columbia. Three individuals suing.
ADAMS V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97 05442, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County (case filed
4/10/97). Two individuals suing.
ARMAND V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31179-CICI, Circuit Court
of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County (case
filed 7/9/97). Two individuals suing.
ATCHESON V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31148-CICU, Circuit
Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County
(case filed 7/29/97). One individual suing.
BAILEY, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-18056 CA15,
Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval
County (case filed 8/18/97). Two individuals suing.
BARTLEY, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-11153,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/21/97). Two individuals suing.
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BLAIR V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31177, Circuit Court of
the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County (case filed
7/29/97). One individual suing.
BLANK V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-05443, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County (case filed
4/10/97). Two individuals suing.
BRONSTEIN, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-008769,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/10/97). Two individuals suing.
BURNS, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-11175-27,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 4/3/98). One individual suing.
CLARK V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., Case No. 95-3333-CA, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Dade County (case filed
8/18/95). One individual suing. Liggett only defendant.
COWART V. LIGGETT GROUP INC, ET AL., Case No.98-01483CA, Circuit Court
of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval County (case
filed 3/16/98). One individual suing.
DAVIS, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-11145, Circuit
Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County
(case filed 7/21/97). One individual suing.
DAVISON, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97008776,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/10/97). Two individuals suing.
DE LA TORRE, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-11161,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 7/21/97). One individual suing.
DILL V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-05446, Circuit Court of the
17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County (case filed
4/10/97). One individual suing.
DOUGHERTY V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No. 1999 32074 CICI,
Circuit Court, State of Florida, Volusia County (case filed 11/17/99).
One individual suing.
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DOYLE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-627-CA, Circuit
Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Flagler County
(case filed 9/16/97). Two individuals suing.
DUECKER V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., Case No. 98-03093 CA, Circuit Court of
the 4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval County (case filed
7/5/98). One individual suing. Liggett only defendant.
EASTMAN V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORP., ET AL., Case No.
01-98-1348, Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, State of
Florida, Hillsborough County (case filed 3/11/98). One individual
suing.
FLAKS, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-008750,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/10/97). Two individuals suing.
GARRETSON, ET UX. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-32441 CICI,
Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia
County (case filed 10/22/96). One individual suing.
GOLDBERG, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-008780,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/10/97). Two individuals suing.
GRAY, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97-21657 CA
42, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida,
Putnam County (case filed 10/15/97). Two individuals suing.
HALEN V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. CL 96005308, Circuit Court of
the 15th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Palm Beach County (case
filed 6/19/96). One individual suing.
HARRIS, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-1151, Circuit
Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County
(case filed 7/21/97). Two individuals suing.
HART, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 9708781, Circuit
Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County
(case filed 6/10/97). One individual suing.
HAYES, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31007, Circuit
Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County
(case filed 6/30/97). Two individuals suing.
25
26
HENIN V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-29320 CA 05, Circuit Court
of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Dade County (case filed
12/26/97). One individual suing.
HENNING. ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-11159,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 7/21/97). Two individuals suing.
HITCHENS, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No.97008783,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/10/97).
KATZ V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 95-15307-CA-01, USDC,
Southern District of Florida (case filed 8/3/95). One individual suing.
Plaintiff has dismissed all defendants except Liggett Group Inc.
KALOUSTIAN V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 95-5498, Circuit
Court for the 13th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Hillsborough
County (case filed 8/28/95). Two individuals suing.
KRUEGER, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No.
96-1692-CIV-T-24A, USDC, Middle District of Florida (case filed
8/30/96). Two individuals suing.
LAPPIN V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31371 CICI, Circuit Court
of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County (case
filed 6/2/97). One individual suing.
LASS V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 96-04469, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval County (case filed
12/23/96). Two individuals suing.
LEVINE V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. CL 95-98769 (AH), Circuit
Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Palm Beach County
(case filed 7/24/96). One individual suing.
LOBLEY V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-1033-CA-10-L, Circuit
Court of the 18th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Seminole County
(case filed 7/29/97). Two individuals suing.
LUKACS, JOHN V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Circuit Court
of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court, Florida, Miami-Dade County. One
individual suing.
26
27
LUSTIG, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97
11168, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida,
Broward County (case filed 7/21/97). One individual suing.
MAGLIARISI, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97008895,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 6/11/97). One individual suing.
MANLEY, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-11173-27,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 4/3/98). Two individuals suing.
MECKLER, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-03949-CA,
Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval
County (case filed 7/10/97). One individual suing.
MULLIN V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 95-15287 CA 15, Circuit Court
of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Dade County (case filed
11/7/95). One individual suing.
O'ROURKE V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-31345-CICI, Circuit
Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County
(case filed 6/2/97). One individual suing.
PEREZ, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No.
96-1721-CIV-T-24B, USDC, Middle District of Florida (case filed
8/20/96). One individual suing.
PHILLIPS V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31278, Circuit Court of
the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County (case filed
5/27/97). One individual suing.
PIPOLO V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-05448, Circuit Court of
the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County (case filed
4/10/97). Two individuals suing.
PULLARA, RUBY M. , ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP, INC. , ET AL., Case No.
01-1626-Div. C, Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Florida,
Hillsborough County. Two individuals suing.
RAUCH, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-11144, Circuit
Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County
(case filed 7/21/97). Two individuals suing.
27
28
RAWLS, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-01354 CA,
Circuit Court of the 4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval
County (case filed 3/6/97). One individual suing.
REBANE, ET AL. V, BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. CIO-00-0000750,
Circuit Court, Orange County, Florida (case filed 2/1/00). Two
individuals suing.
RIX V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 96-1778 CA, Circuit Court of the
4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval County (case filed
4/29/96). One individual suing.
SCHULTZ V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 99019898,
Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward
County (case filed 11/24/99). One individual suing.
SHAW, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-008755, Circuit
Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County
(case filed 6/10/97). Two individuals suing.
SPOTTS V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-31373 CICI, Circuit Court
of the 4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia County (case
filed 9/16/97). One individual suing.
STAFFORD V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-7732-CI-019,
Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Pinellas
County (case filed 11/14/97). One individual suing.
STEWART, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97 2025 CA, Circuit
Court of the 5th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Lake County (case
filed 9/16/97). Two individuals suing.
STRICKLAND, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
98-00764, Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida,
Dade County (case filed 1/8/98). Two individuals suing.
STROHMETZ V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 98-03787 CA, Circuit Court
of the 4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval County (case filed
7/16/98). One individual suing.
SWANK-REICH V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97008782, Circuit
Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County
(case filed 6/10/97). One individual suing.
28
29
THOMSON, BARRY, V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-400-CA, Circuit
Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Flagler County
(case filed 9/2/97). One individual suing.
THOMSON, EILEEN, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No.
97-11170, Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida,
Broward County (case filed 7/21/97). One individual suing.
VENTURA V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97-27024 CA
(09), Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida,
Dade County (case filed 11/26/97). One individual suing.
WASHINGTON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 97-10575 CIDL,
Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Volusia
County (case filed 9/16/97). Two individuals suing.
WEIFFENBACH, ET UX. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No.
96-1690-CIV-T-24C, USDC, Middle District of Florida (case filed
8/30/96). Two individuals suing.
WISCH V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-008759, Circuit Court
of the 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Broward County (case
filed 6/10/97). One individual suing.
YOUNG V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 96-03566, Circuit Court
of the 4th Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, Duval County (case filed
11/30/95). One individual suing.
BROWN-JONES V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 98-RCCV-28,
Superior Court of Georgia, Richmond County (case filed 1/13/98). Two
individuals suing.
DELUCA V. LIGGETT & MYERS, ET AL., Case No. 00L13792, Circuit Court,
Cook County, Illnois County (case filed 11/29/00). One individual
suing.
DENBERG, ET AL. V. AMERICAN BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No.97L07963,
USDC, Northern District of Illinois (case filed 8/13/97). Four
individuals suing. (Formerly Daley).
ROGERS V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 49 D 02-9301-CT-0008,
Superior Court of Indiana, Marion County (case filed 3/7/97). Two
individuals suing.
SUMPTER V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. IP98-0401-C-M/G,
USDC, District of Indiana, Marion County (case filed 2/26/98). 15
individuals suing.
29
30
GRONBERG, ET AL. V. LIGGETT & MYERS, ET AL., Case No. LA-CV-080487,
District Court, State of Iowa, Black Hawk County (case filed 3/30/98).
Two individuals suing.
KOBOLD, ET AL. V. BAT INDUSTRIES, ET AL., Case No. CL-77551, District
Court, State of Iowa, Polk County (case filed 9/15/98). Two individuals
suing.
MAHONEY V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. LALA5187(S),
District Court, Iowa, Lee County (case filed 4/13/01). One individual
suing.
MASON V. AMERICAN BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. CL7922, District
Court, State of Iowa, Polk County (case filed 4/13/99). One individual
suing.
MITCHELL, ET AL. V. LIGGETT & MYERS, ET AL., Case No. C00-3026, USDC,
State of Iowa, Northern District (case filed 4/19/00). Two individuals
suing.
WELCH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. LA CV
017535, District Court, Iowa, Shelby County (case filed 1016/2000). Two
individuals suing.
WRIGHT, ET AL. V. BROOKE GROUP LIMITED, ET AL., Case No. LA CV 05867,
District Court, State of Iowa, Cerro Gordo County (case filed
11/10/99). Two individuals suing.
ALEXANDER, ET UX V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
99-C-3975-A, 27th Judicial District Court, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
(case filed 9/27/99). Two individuals suing.
BADON, ET UX. V. RJR NABISCO INC., ET AL., Case No. 10-13653, USDC,
Western District of Louisiana (case filed 5/24/94). Six individuals
suing.
BIRD, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 507-532,
24th Judicial District Court, State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish
(case filed 4/10/97). Four individuals suing.
BRAKEL, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
96-13672-D, USDC, Eastern District of Louisiana (case filed 8/30/96).
Seven individuals suing.
DIMM, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 53919, 18th Judicial
District Court, Parish of Iberville, Louisiana. Seven individuals
suing.
HEBERT, ET AL. V. UNITED STATES TOBACCO, ET AL., Case No. 96-2281, 14th
Judicial District Court, State of Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish (case
filed 5/8/96). Two individuals suing.
30
31
HIGGINS, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 96-2205, USDC,
Eastern District of Louisiana (case filed 6/1/96). One individual
suing.
JACKSON V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORP., ET AL., Case No.
97-441-C-MI, USDC, Middle District of Louisiana (case filed 7/3/97).
One individual suing.
KENNON V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 98-586, USDC, Middle
District of Louisiana (case filed 12/5/97). One individual suing.
MCDOWELL, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 3:00CV0705, USDC,
Western District, Louisiana (case filed 5/16/00). Four individuals
suing.
NEWSOM, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 105838, 16th Judicial
District Court, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana (case filed 5/17/00).
Five individuals suing.
OSER V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97-9293, Civil
District of the Judicial District Court, State of Louisiana, Orleans
Parish (case filed 5/27/97). One individual suing.
PITRE, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS , ET AL., Case No. 97 CA 0059, 19th
Judicial District Court, State of Louisiana, East Baton Rouge Parish
(case filed 8/7/92). Five individuals suing.
POTTS , ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
41844, 40th Judicial District, State of Louisiana, St. John the Baptist
Parish (case filed 4/6/00). Seven individuals suing.
RACCA, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 10-14999, 38th
Judicial District Court, State of Louisiana, Cameron Parish (case filed
7/16/98). Eleven individuals suing.
ADAMS, ESTATE OF PHYLLIS, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, et al., Case No.
00-2636, Superior Court, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Two
individuals suing.
BISTANY V. MICHAEL T. SHANNON, D.M.D., ET AL., Case No. 00-1557,
Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County. One individual
suing.
CAMERON V. THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE, INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-4960,
Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County (case filed 8/3/98).
One individual suing.
HAGLUND, BRENDA, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
01-1221, Superior Court, Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Five
plaintiffs suing.
HEALY, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 01-0381,
Superior Court of Massachusetts (case filed 1/25/2001). Nine
individuals suing.
31
32
MONTY V. HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTH CARE, ET AL., Demand Letter. Superior
Court, Massachusetts.
NYSKO, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Demand letter
and draft complaint, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County.
Three individual suing.
PAIGE V. MARILYN KOVANT, M.D., ET AL., Demand letter and draft
complaint, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County. One
individual suing.
PISCIONE V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Demand letter and
draft complaint, Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County. One
individual suing.
REEDY, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 98-5056,
Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County (case filed 8/13/98).
One individual suing.
SATCHELL V. THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE, INC., ET AL., Demand Letter.
Superior Court, Massachusetts. WOODS, ESTATE OF HELEN V. THE TOBACCO
INSTITUTE, INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-5721, Superior Court of
Massachusetts, Middlesex County (case filed 11/18/98). One individual
suing.
WOODS, JOSEPH V. THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE, INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-5723,
Superior Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County (case filed
11/18/98). One individual suing.
COLLIER, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 1:98 ov 246RG, USDC,
Southern District of Mississippi (case filed 6/5/98). This putative
class action is brought on behalf of all non-smoking policemen and
seamen employed in the United States who allegedly have been injured by
exposure to second hand smoke.
BANKS, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
2000-136, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed
12/22/2000). Six individuals suing.
BARKER, PEARLIE, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case
No. 2001-64, Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed
3/30/01). Three individuals suing.
BLYTHE V. RAPID AMERICAN CORPORATION, ET AL., Case No. CI 96-0080-AS,
Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jackson County (case filed 9/23/96). One
individual suing.
BROWN, GLAYSON, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case
No. 2001-0022(1) Circuit Court, Mississippi, George County (case filed
32
33
3/30/01). Two Hundred Twenty-Four (224) individuals suing.
COLENBERG, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 200-169, Circuit
Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 10/18/00).
Twenty-eight individuals suing.
COCHRAN, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 2001-0022(1),
Circuit Court, Mississippi, George County (case filed 2/6/01).
Twenty-six individuals suing.
ESTATE OF ED DOSS, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 99-0108,
Circuit Court, State of Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed
8/17/99). Nine individuals suing. Liggett has not been served.
GALES, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 2000-170, Circuit
Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 9/18/00). Seven
individuals suing.
JACKSON, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No., Circuit Court,
State of Mississippi, Jefferson County. This action seeks judgment from
both the Tobacco Defendants and the Asbestos Defendants for joint and
several liability
JENNINGS, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. 2000-238, Circuit
Court, Mississippi, Claiborne County (case filed 11/2/00). Fourteen
individuals suing.
LANE, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS, ET AL., Case No. CI 00-00239, Circuit
Court, Mississippi, Forrest County (case filed 2/6/01). Six individuals
suing.
MCGEE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 2000-596,
Circuit Court, Mississippi, Jefferson County (case filed 11/16/00).
Nineteen individuals suing.
DAVIS, ET AL. V. AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
2:00-Cv-26-CEJ, USDC, Missouri, Eastern District (case filed 9/25/00).
Two individuals suing.
ARMENDARIZ V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 999/862, District Court,
Nebraska, Douglas County (case filed 11/17/00). One individual suing.
MUMIN V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Doc. 1000 No. 46, District Court,
Nebraska, Douglas County (case filed 11/27/00). One Individual suing.
HOWARD, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Superior Court, New
Hampshire, Merrimack County. Two individuals suing.
FRENCH, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Superior Court, New Hampshire,
Merrimack County. Two individuals suing.
33
34
WILLIAMSON, LILLIAN V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
L1258-01, Superior Court, Middlesex County, New Jersey (case filed
2/9/01). One individual suing.
DOOLITTLE, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Superior
Court, Gloucester County, New Jersey (case filed 5/22/00). Two
individuals suing.
KLEIN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
L-7798-00, Superior Court, Middlesex, New Jersey (case filed 9/21/00).
Two individuals suing.
PISCITELLO, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-CIV-4613,
Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County (case filed 3/6/98).
STAR, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
L-11517-99, Superior Court, Middlesex County, New Jersey (case filed
12/13/99). Two individuals suing.
TEPPER AND WATKINS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No.
BER-L-4983-97-E, Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County (case
filed 5/28/97).
HAINES (ETC.) V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. C 6568-96B, USDC,
District of New Jersey (case filed 2/2/94). One individual suing.
ALTMAN, ET AL. V. FORTUNE BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-123521,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 12/16/97). Seven
individuals suing.
ANDERSON, ET AL. V. FORTUNE BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 42821-97,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 11/13/97). Six
individuals suing.
ARNETT, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 109416/98,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 5/29/98). Nine
individuals suing.
BELLOWS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
122518/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
11/26/97). Five individuals suing.
BRAND, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No. 29017/98, Supreme
Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 12/21/98). Two individuals
suing.
CAIAZZO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 13213/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Richmond County (case filed 10/27/97). Six
individuals suing.
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35
CAMERON V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 019125/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 7/18/97). Five
individuals suing.
CANAAN V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No. 105250/98, Supreme Court
of New York, New York County (case filed 3/24/98). One individual
suing.
CARLL, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 112444/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 8/12/97). Five
individuals suing.
CAVANAGH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.11533/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Richmond County (case filed 4/23/97). Two
individuals suing.
COLLINS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 08322/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Westchester County (case filed 7/2/97). Nine
individuals suing.
CONDON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 108902/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 2/4/97). Seven
individuals suing.
CRANE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.106202-97,
USDC, Southern District of New York (case filed 4/4/97). Four
individuals suing.
CREECH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 106202-97,
Supreme Court of New York, Richmond County (case filed 1/14/97). Four
individuals suing.
CRESSER, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 36009/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 10/4/96). Two
individuals suing.
DA SILVA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case
No.106095/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
1/14/97). Six individuals suing.
DOMERACKI V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 98/6859, Supreme Court of
New York, Erie County (case filed 8/3/98). One individual suing.
DOUGHERTY, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
97-09768, Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed
4/18/97). Two individuals suing.
DZAK, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 26283/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 12/2/96). Five
individuals suing.
35
36
EVANS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 28926/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 8/23/96). Two
individuals suing.
FRANKSON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
24915/00, Supreme Court, New York, Kings County. Four individuals
suing.
FINK, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 110336/97
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 4/25/97). Six
individuals suing.
GOLDEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 112445/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 8/11/97). Six
individuals suing.
GRECO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 15514-97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 7/18/97). Three
individuals suing.
GRUDER , ET AL. V. FORTUNE BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No.48487/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 12/8/97). Four
individuals.
GUILLOTEAU, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
46398/97, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed
11/26/97). Four individuals suing.
HANSEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.97-26291,
Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed 4/12/97). Six
individuals suing.
HELLEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 28927/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 8/23/96). Two
individuals suing.
INZERILLA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
11754/96, Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed
7/16/96). Two individuals suing.
JAUST, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 116249/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 10/14/97). Ten
individuals suing.
JEFFERSON, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION, ET AL.,
Supreme Court of New York, Richmond County. Two individuals suing.
JULIANO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 12470/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Richmond County (case filed 8/12/96). Four
individuals suing.
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37
KEENAN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 116545-97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 10/6/97). Eight
individuals suing.
KENNY, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS USA, ET AL., Case No. 111486/01,
Supreme Court, New York, New York County. Two individuals suing.
KESTENBAUM, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
109350/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
6/4/97). Eight individuals suing.
KNUTSEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 36860/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 4/25/97). Two
individuals suing.
KOTLYAR, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 28103/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 11/26/97). Five
individuals suing.
KRISTICH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
96-29078, Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed
10/12/97). Two individuals suing.
KROCHTENGEL V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 24663/98,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 7/15/98). One
individual suing.
LABROILA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
97-12855, Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed
7/20/97). Four individuals suing.
LEHMAN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 112446/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 8/11/97). One
individual suing.
LEIBSTEIN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
97-019145, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed
7/25/97). Six individuals suing.
LEIDERMAN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
22691/97, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 7/23/97).
Three individuals suing.
LENNON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 120503/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 11/19/97). Seven
individuals suing.
LE PAW V. B.A.T. INDUSTRIES, ET AL., Case No. 17695-96, USDC, Southern
District of New York (case filed 8/14/96). Four individuals suing.
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38
LEVINSON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
13162/97, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 4/17/97).
Seven individuals suing.
LIEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97-9309,
Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed 4/28/97). Two
individuals suing.
LITKE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 15739/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 5/1/97). Five
individuals suing.
LOHN V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 105249/98, Supreme Court
of New York, New York County (case filed 3/26/98). One individual
suing.
LOMBARDO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
16765/97, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 6/6/97).
Five individuals suing.
LONG, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 22574-97,
Supreme Court of New York, Bronx County (case filed 10/22/97). Four
individuals suing.
LOPARDO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
027182/97, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed
10/27/97). Six individuals suing.
LUCCA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 3583/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 1/27/97). Two
individuals suing.
LYNCH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 117244/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 10/22/97). Five
individuals suing.
MAGNUS V. FORTUNE BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. CV-98-3441, USDC,
Eastern District of New York (case filed 5/6/98). Three individuals
suing.
MAISONET, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
17289/97, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 5/20/97).
Three individuals suing.
MARGOLIN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
120762/96, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
11/22/96). One individual suing.
MARTIN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN T1OBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 15982-97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 7/18/97). Three
individuals suing.
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MCGUINNESS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
112447/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
7/28/97). Six individuals suing.
MCLANE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 11620/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Richmond County (case filed 5/13/97). Four
individuals suing.
MEDNICK, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
29140/1997, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed
9/19/97). Eight individuals suing.
MISHK, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 108036/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed May 1, 1997).
Five individuals suing.
MOREY V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. I1998/9921, Supreme Court of
New York, Erie County (case filed 10/30/98). Two individuals suing.
NEWELL, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97-25155,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 10/3/97). Six
individuals suing.
NOCIFORO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
96-16324, Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed
7/12/96). One individual suing.
O'HARA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 103095/98,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 2/23/98). Two
individuals suing.
ORNSTEIN V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 117548/97, Supreme Court of
New York, New York County (case filed 9/29/97). One individual suing.
PEREZ, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 26347/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 8/26/97). Seven
individuals suing.
PERRI, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 029554/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 11/24/97). Six
individuals suing.
PICCIONE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
34371/97, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed
10/27/97). Five individuals suing.
PORTNOY, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 16323/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Suffolk County (case filed 7/16/96). Two
individuals suing.
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REITANO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 28930/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 8/22/96). One
individual suing.
RICO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
120693/98, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
11/16/98). Nine individuals suing.
RINALDI, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 48021/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 12/11/96). Five
individuals suing.
ROSE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 122131/96,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 12/18/96). Eight
individuals suing.
RUBINOBITZ, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
15717/97, Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed
5/28/97). Five individuals suing.
SCHULHOFF, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
23737-97, Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed
11/21/97). Six individuals suing.
SCHWARTZ, IRWIN V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.14841/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (case filed 5/19/97). One
individual suing.
SCHWARTZ, PEARL V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.47239/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 12/2/96). One
individual suing.
SENZER, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 11609/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 5/13/97). Eight
individuals suing.
SHAPIRO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
111179/97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
7/21/96). Four individuals suing.
SIEGEL, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.36857/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 10/8/96). Two
individuals suing.
SILVERMAN, ET AL. V. LORILLARD TOBACCO COMPANY. ET AL., Case No.
11328/99, Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 7/9/99)
Five individuals suing.
SMITH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 020525/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 9/19/97). Eight
individuals suing.
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SOLA, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 18205/96,
Supreme Court of New York, Bronx County (case filed 7/16/96). Two
individuals suing.
SPRUNG, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 16654/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Kings County (case filed 5/14/97). Ten
individuals suing.
STANDISH, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
18418-97, Supreme Court of New York, Bronx County (case filed 7/28/97).
Five individuals suing.
VALENTIN, ET AL. V. FORTUNE BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 019539/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 9/16/97). Seven
individuals suing.
WALGREEN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO, ET AL., Case No. 109351/97,
Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed 5/23/97). Eight
individuals suing.
WERNER, ET AL. V. FORTUNE BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 029071-97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 12/12/97). Four
individuals suing.
ZARUDSKY, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No.
15773-97, Supreme Court of New York, New York County (case filed
5/28/97). Six individuals suing.
ZIMMERMAN, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Supreme Court of
New York, Queens County (case filed 1997).
ZUZALSKI, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 001378/97,
Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (case filed 4/3/97). Seven
individuals suing.
WILSON, ET AL. V. LIGGETT & MYERS, ET AL., USDC, Middle District Court,
North Carolina. One individual suing.
SANCHEZ, ESTHER E. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
00-818-BR, USDC, Oregon. One individual suing.
COTNER V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. CS-2000-157, District
Court, Adair County, Oklahoma. One individual suing.
BUSCEMI V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 002007, Court of Common
Pleas, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County (case filed 9/21/99). Two
individuals suing.
CAMPANELLA, ET AL. V. LORILLARD TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Cane No.
003575, Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County (case
filed 1/31/00). Two individuals suing.
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DANKO, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP, ET AL., Case No. 2:00CV2683, USDC
Eastern District, Pennsylvania. Two individuals suing.
FLOYD V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 000231, Court of Common
Pleas, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County. One individual suing.
HALL V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 4:97-CV-01723,
USDC, Pennsylvania, Middle District (case filed 2/18/98). One
individual suing.
TANTUM V. AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 3762, Court of Common
Pleas, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County (case filed 1/26/99). Two
individuals suing.
TAYLOR V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION, ET AL., Case No.
004378, Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia County (case
filed 12/13/99). One individual suing.
BROWN V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORP., ET AL., Case No. 98-5447,
Superior Court, Rhode Island (case filed 10/30/98). One individual
suing.
NICOLO V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 96-528 B, USDC, Rhode Island
(case filed 9/24/96). One individual suing.
BABB V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 6:00-2550-20BG, USDC,
South Carolina (case filed 2001). One individual suing.
COCKER V. AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 1-00-0069, USDC,
Middle District Tennessee (case filed 5/22/00). One individual suing.
PERRY, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 2-473-95, Circuit
Court, Tennessee, Knox County (case filed 7/20/95). One individual
suing.
TEMPLE V. PHILIP MORRIS TOBACCO CORP., ET AL. Case No. 3:00-0126, USDC,
Middle District, Tennessee. One individual suing.
ADAMS V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 96-17502, District Court
of the 164th Judicial District, Texas, Harris County (case filed
4/30/96). One individual suing.
COLUNGA V. AMERICAN BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. C-97-265, USDC,
Texas, Southern District (case filed 4/17/97). One individual suing.
HALE, ET AL. V. AMERICAN BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. C-6568-96B,
District Court of the 93rd Judicial District, Texas, Hidalgo County
(case filed 1/30/97). One individual suing.
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HAMILTON, ET AL. V. BGLS, INC., ET AL., Case No. C 70609 6 D, USDC,
Texas, Southern District (case filed 2/26/97). Five individuals suing.
HARRIS, ET AL. V. KOCH REFINING CO., ET AL., Case No. 98-03426-00-0-G,
District Court of the 319th Judicial District, Texas (case filed
6/10/99). Three individuals suing.
HODGES, ET VIR V. LIGGETT GROUP, INC., ET AL., Case No. 8000*JG99,
District Court of the 239th Judicial District, Texas, Brazoria County
(case filed 5/5/99). Two individuals suing.
JACKSON, HAZEL, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, INC., ET AL., Case No.
G-01-071, USDC, Texas, Southern District (case filed 2/7/2001). Five
individuals suing.
LUNA V. AMERICAN BRANDS, ET AL., Case No. 96-5654-H, USDC, Texas,
Southern District (case filed 2/18/97). One individual suing.
MCLEAN, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 2-96-CV-167, USDC,
Texas, Eastern District (case filed 8/30/96). Three individuals suing.
MIRELES V. AMERICAN BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. 966143A, District
Court of the 28th Judicial District, Texas, Nueces County (case filed
2/14/97). One individual suing.
MISELL, ET AL. V. AMERICAN BRANDS, ET AL., Case No. 96-6287-H, District
Court of the 347th Judicial District, Texas, Nueces County (case filed
1/3/97). Four individuals suing.
RAMIREZ V. AMERICAN BRANDS, INC., ET AL., Case No. M-97-050, USDC,
Texas, Southern District (case filed 12/23/96). One individual suing.
K V. AMERICAN BRANDS, ET AL., Case No. 97-04-35562, USDC, Texas,
Southern District (case filed 7/22/97). Two individuals suing.
THOMPSON, ET AL. V. BROWN & WILLIAMSON, ET AL., Case No. 97-2981-D,
District Court of the 105th Judicial District, Texas, Nueces County
(case filed 12/15/97). Two individuals suing.
BOWDEN, ET AL. V. R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
98-0068-L, USDC, Virginia, Western District (case filed 1/6/99).
VAUGHAN V. MARK L. EARLEY, ET AL., Case No. 760 CH 99 K 00011-00,
Circuit Court, Virginia, Richmond (case filed 1/8/99). One individual
suing.
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ACCORD, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-5000, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
9/13/2000). 683 individuals suing.
ADAMS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-5000, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
9/6/2000). 950 individuals suing.
ADKINS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-1381,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 5/31/00). Two
individuals suing.
ALLEN, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-C-2337 through
2401, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed
10/1/98). 118 individuals suing.
ANDERSON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No.98-C-1773 through
1799, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed
7/31/98). 50 individuals suing.
ANDERSON V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-1370,
Circuit Court, Kanawha County, West Virginia (case filed 5/30/00). One
individual suing.
BLANKENSHIP, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00C-276, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County. Two individuals
suing.
BISHOP, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 97-C-2696
through 2713, Circuit Court, State of West Virginia, Kanawha County
(case filed 10/28/98). One individual suing.
BREWER, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
01-C-82, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County. Two individuals
suing.
CASTO, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-294, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
7/24/00). Two individuals suing. COUNTS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO
COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-295, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio
County (case filed 7/24/2000). Two individuals suing.
CUTLIP, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-293, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
7/24/00). Two individuals suing.
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45
DINGESS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case
No.00-C-251, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
6/22/2000). Two individuals suing.
EDWARDS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00C-269, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
10/06/98). Two individuals suing.
FLEMING V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-2063,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County. One individual suing.
HARBERT V. AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-1496,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 6/13/2000).
One individual suing.
HEMETEK V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00C-267,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 7/3/2000). One
individual suing.
HENSLEY V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00C-266,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 7/3/2000). One
individual suing.
HISSOM, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 97-C-1479,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 9/13/97). Two
individuals suing.
HUFFMAN V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 98-C-276, Circuit
Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 2/13/98). Two
individuals suing.
JACKSON V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 00-C-289, Circuit
Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 7/20/00). Two individuals
suing.
JIVIDEN V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO CO., ET AL., Case No. 98-C-278, Circuit
Court, West Virginia, Mason County (case filed 1/19/99). Two
individuals suing.
JOHNSON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-247, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
6/16/2000). Two individuals suing.
JONES, V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-1419,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 6/6/2000). One
individual suing.
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46
JORDON, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-274, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
7/10/00). Three individuals suing.
LITTLE, W. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 01-C-235,
Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed 6/4/01). One
individual suing.
MACE, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case
No.00-C-1411, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed
6/22/2000). One individual suing.
MAYNARD, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00-C-1470, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed
6/9/2000). One individual suing.
MORRIS, ET AL. V. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
00C-265, Circuit Court, West Virginia, Ohio County (case filed
7/3/2000). Two individuals suing.
NEWKIRK, ET AL. V. LIGGETT GROUP INC., ET AL., Case No. 98-C-1699,
Circuit Court,West Virginia, Kanawha County (case filed 7/22/98). One
individual suing.
FLOYD V. STATE OF WISCONSIN, ET AL., Case No. 99 CV 001125, Circuit
Court, Wisconsin, MilwaukeeCounty (case filed 2/10/99). One individual
suing.
V. ACTIONS CHALLENGING MSA
PTI, INC., ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS INCORPORATED, ET AL., Case No.
99-08235 NM, USDC, Central District of California (case filed 8/13/99).
Plaintiffs seek damages, declaratory, equitable, injunctive relief and
to invalidate the Master Settlement Agreement between the largest
manufacturers of cigarettes in the United States and the Attorneys
General of forty-six states and the settlement entered into by the
State of Texas settlement.
AMENT, ET AL. V. TOMMY G. THOMPSON, ET AL., Case No. 00CV1159, Circuit
Court, Dane County, Wisconsin (case filed 4/28/00). This action seeks
to recover damages attributable to the past, present and future
tobacco-related healthcare costs and expenses of the plaintiffs.
LAPEAN, ET AL. V. TOMMY G. THOMPSON, ET AL., Case No. 00CV1162, Circuit
Court, Dane County, Wisconsin (case filed 4/28/00). This action seeks
to recover damages attributable to the past, present and future
tobacco-related healthcare costs and expenses of the plaintiffs.
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47
VI. PRICE FIXING CASES
GRAY, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. C2000
0781, Superior Court, Pima County, Arizona (case filed 2/11/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
Arizona.
GREER, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
309826, Superior Court, San Francisco, California (case filed 2/9/00).
In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to
fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State
of California.
MORSE V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 822825-9,
Superior Court, Alameda County, California (case filed 2/14/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
MUNOZ, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No.
309834, Superior Court, San Francisco City and County, California (case
filed 2/9/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of California.
PEIRONA, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
310283, Superior Court, San Francisco City and County, California (case
filed 2/28/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of California.
TEITLER V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 823161-9,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 2/17/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
SULLIVAN V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 823162-8,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 2/17/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
ULAN V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 823160-0,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California. In this class action
plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise, stabilize,
or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of California.
SAND V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. BC225580,
Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, California. In this class action
plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise, stabilize,
or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of California.
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BELMONTE V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 825112-1,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 4/11/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
BELCH V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 825115-8,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 4/11/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
AGUAYO V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 826420-8,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 5/15/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
PHILLIPS V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 826421-7,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 5/15/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
CAMPE V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. 826425-3,
Superior Court, County of Alameda, California (case filed 5/15/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
California.
AMSTERDAM TOBACCO CORP., ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET
AL., Case No.1: 00CV0460, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed
3/6/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
BARNES, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-0003678, Superior Court, District of Columbia (case filed 5/11/00).
In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to
fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the
District of Columbia.
BUFFALO TOBACCO PRODUCTS, INC., ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES,
INC., ET AL., Case No. 1:00CV00224, USDC, District of Columbia (case
filed 2/8/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the United States.
HARTZ FOODS V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
1:00CV01053, USDC, District of Columbia (case filed 5/10/00). In this
class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise,
stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the United States.
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BROWNSTEIN V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. 00002212,
Circuit Court, Broward County, Florida (case filed 2/8/00). In this
class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise,
stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of Florida.
WILLIAMSON OIL COMPANY, INC. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 00-CV-0447, USDC, Georgia, Northern District (case filed
2/18/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the United States.
SUWANEE SWIFTY STORES, INC. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL.,
Case No. 00-CV-0667, USDC, Georgia, Northern District (case filed
3/14/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the United States.
HOLIDAY MARKETS, INC. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case
No. 00-CV-0707, USDC, Georgia, Northern District (case filed 3/17/00).
In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to
fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the United
States.
SMITH, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-CV-26, District Court, Kansas, Seward County (case filed 2/7/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
Kansas
TAYLOR, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
CV-00-203, Superior Court, Maine (case filed 3/27/00). In this class
action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise,
stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of Maine.
DEL SERRONE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., Case No.
00-004035 CZ, Circuit Court, Wayne County, Michigan (case filed
2/8/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of Michigan.
LUDKE, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. MC
00-001954, District Court, Hennepin County, Minnesota (case filed
2/15/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of Minnesota.
ANDERSON. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. 00-1212,
United States District Court, Minnesota (case filed 5/17/00). In this
class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise,
stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of Minnesota.
UNRUH, ET AL. V. R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO., Case No. CV00-2674,
District Court, Washoe County, Nevada (case filed 6/9/00). In this
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class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise,
stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of Nevada.
ROMERO, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC. ET AL., Case No. D0117
CV-00000972, District Court, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico (case filed
4/10/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of New Mexico.
LENNON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Index No.
102396, Supreme Court of New York, New York County, New York (case
filed 2/14/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of New York.
SYLVESTER, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Index No.
00/601008 Supreme Court of New York, New York County, New York (case
filed 3/8/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of New York.
NEIRMAN, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Index No.
00/102396, Supreme Court of New York, New York County, New York (case
filed 3/6/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of New York.
SHAFER, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-C-1231, District Court, Morton County, North Dakota (case filed
4/18/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of North Dakota.
I. GOLDSHLACK COMPANY V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case
No. 00-CV-1286, USDC, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (case filed
3/9/00). In this class action plaintiff allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the United States.
SWANSON, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No.
00-144, Circuit Court, Hughes County, South Dakota (case filed
4/18/00). In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants
conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes
in the State of South Dakota.
WITHERS, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. 17,
194-I, Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Tennessee (case filed 2/9/00).
In this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to
fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State
of Tennessee.
KISSEL, ET AL. V. PHILIP MORRIS, ET AL., Case No. 00-C-82, Circuit
Court, State of West Virginia, Brooke County (case filed 4/13/00). In
this class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix,
raise, stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of
West Virginia.
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CUSATIS V, PHILIP MORRIS COMPANIES, INC., ET AL., Case No. 00CV003676,
Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (case filed 5/5/00). In this
class action plaintiffs allege that defendants conspired to fix, raise,
stabilize, or maintain prices for cigarettes in the State of Wisconsin.
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