JT Group to acquire the tobacco business of the second largest tobacco company in Bangladesh

Company continues to expand its presence in emerging markets

TOKYO, Japan, 09-Aug-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) announces today that the JT Group has signed an agreement to acquire the tobacco business of Akij Group¹ (Akij), the second largest tobacco company in Bangladesh, further increasing its presence in Asia.

The purchase price for the transaction is estimated at around BDT 124.3 billion (USD 1,476 million).

“With this investment, we continue to accelerate our expansion in emerging markets that matter, a key component of the JT Group’s growth strategy. Akij’s substantial market share places us straight at the number two position in Bangladesh, which will expand our quality top-line growth. This transaction will also support our sustainable profit growth objectives in the mid- to long-term,” said Mutsuo Iwai, Executive Vice President and President of the Tobacco Business.

Akij holds about a 20% share of the cigarette market in Bangladesh, the eighth largest cigarette market in the world, with volumes exceeding 86 billion units and growing by about 2% year-onyear. This transaction will add around 17 billion units to the JT Group’s overall volume. Akij currently occupies the number two position in both the value and base segments, together covering up to 90% of Bangladesh’s cigarette market, with brands such as Navy and Sheikh respectively.

“Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a pro-business mindset, which is why we are keen to expand our presence in the country. The tobacco business of Akij is profitable, has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a strong distribution network and workforce. With our strong track record of integration, we can accelerate operational efficiencies and introduce some of our Global Flagship Brands alongside Akij’s well-established portfolio,” said Eddy Pirard, JTI’s President and CEO.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the fiscal year 2018 following regulatory clearance.

¹JT Group acquires the shares of United Dhaka Tobacco Company Limited, the entity taking over the tobacco business assets of Akij, as well as all tobacco related trademarks and design rights from Akij.

FULL RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Masahito Shirasu, General Manager
Media and Investor Relations Division
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Tokyo: +81-3-5572-4292
E-mail: jt.media.relations@jt.com

SOURCE: Japan Tobacco Inc.