Philip Morris: Marlboro owner sells UK inhaler firm over backlash
The tobacco giant that makes Marlboro cigarettes has sold a UK inhaler company for a knock-down price due to what it calls an “unwarranted” backlash.
Philip Morris International (PMI) has offloaded Vectura Group for £150m ($198m) just three years after buying it in a deal worth more than £1bn.
PMI’s decision to buy Vectura, which makes inhalers to treat lung conditions such as asthma, was criticised as being hypocritical.
However, PMI defended the move as part of its strategy to away from cigarettes and towards “smoke free” businesses like vaping.
