ROTHMANS (Far East) says an agreement has been signed between Rothmans International Tobacco (HK) and American Tobacco Co for the Japanese market.
The 25-year agreement adds US-manufactured Carlton and American brands to Rothmans' portfolio in Japan.
A company spokesman said the agreement provided a perfect arrangement for both companies.
''Rothmans Marubeni has developed an extensive sales and distribution base in Japan, and in return, the addition of established US-manufactured trademarks complements our existing brand range perfectly,'' he said.
''We believe that the Carlton trademark has particular long-term potential, and with the distribution, sales and marketing support that Rothmans Marubeni can offer, that potential can be realised.'' Rothmans Industries of Singapore also announced that Rothmans of Pall Mall, also of Singapore, had through its subsidiary, Rothmans Myanmar Holdings, entered into a joint venture with Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings to make and sell cigarettes in Burma.
Rothmans Myanmar will subscribe for 60 per cent of the joint venture's issued and paid-up capital, with Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings taking the remaining 40 per cent.