Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Friday, Mar 29, 2024
Mugglehead Magazine
Alternative investment news based in Vancouver, B.C.

News

Will Big Tobacco Finally Enter the Cannabis Space? Altria in Talks with Cronos Group Inc.

A few months ago, cigarette company Altria was rumoured to be in talks with Aphria Inc. Nothing happened, but now Altria has shifted its focus to Cronos Group Inc . Will the Marlboro maker finally enter the cannabis space?

A few months ago, cigarette company Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) was rumoured to be in talks with Aphria Inc (TSX:APHA)(NYSE:APHA) about a potential investment in the cannabis company. Nothing ended up materializing out of that and evidently Altria has now shifted its focus to Cronos Group Inc (TSX:CRON)(NASDAQ:CRON). This time, it looks as though Altria is looking at a possible takeover rather than just a stake in the company, as was suggested when it was considering Aphria.

Why this could be big for Cronos

If it goes through, the deal would be a big win for Cronos as it would give the company a lot more resources to grow its business. And who better to help navigate an industry with a lot of red tape and restrictions than the company that created and developed Marlboro, one of the most popular cigarette brands in the world.

Cronos saw a big jump in its stock price as a result of the rumoured talks, but investors should be careful not to act on this information as neither company has admitted that a deal is close and it wouldn’t be the first time that a rumour didn’t pan out. We’ve seen other stocks get a boost just from talks of a deal, but the danger becomes then that those expectations are priced into the share price and if the deal falls through it could lead to a big correction.

However, if the deal goes through, it would instantly become one of the biggest players in the industry and would certainly be the most notable deal since the Canopy Growth Corp (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) and Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) agreement.

Investors shouldn’t get excited just yet

Whether something happens from these talks is uncertain, as there’s clearly been a lot of tire-kicking lately when it comes to companies showing interest in the cannabis industry. On the one hand, it’s an appealing opportunity for other industries to leverage their existing businesses and jump on the cannabis bandwagon. But on the other hand, legal issues make it a difficult industry to navigate and that could make it a logistical nightmare.

Big names like Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) and The Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) have recently distanced themselves from the industry, with the latter showing some interest in partnering with a cannabis company, but ultimately it would end up backing off. Cannabis is still a touchy industry and it’s one where it could hurt a company’s brand, particularly a wholesome one that tries to avoid controversy.

Where do we go from here?

Ultimately, nothing has really happened besides Cronos and Altria allegedly discussing a potential deal that may or may not happen. And just the mere mention of that got investors excited and it supposedly made Cronos a more valuable company in the process. If that seems illogical, that’s because it is. Until something is signed and definitive, it would be very risky to act on rumours alone.

The problem is that Cronos may have now gotten too expensive to be considered a good buy and investors that are holding it are vulnerable if nothing happens as a result of the talks. It’s not a good situation for either side, and Cronos might be due for a drop in price because of that. However, we did see Canopy get a huge boost on the rumours of a deal with Constellation, which sent shares flying when the deal materialized.

Regardless, Big Tobacco is coming.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Desiree Greener

    February 14, 2019 at 3:57 am

    Magnificent web site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you on your effort!

  2. Marjory Sidur

    February 14, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    I am no longer certain the place you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thank you for excellent information I was searching for this information for my mission.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Cannabis

It may be 2024, but striking the bare buttocks with a cane is still an acceptable form of corporal punishment in the country

Cannabis

The marijuana data firm Whitney Economics estimates that the United States will rake in US$2.6 billion more than last year

Cannabis

The Atlantic Canada cultivator proudly uses the waste of koi carp fish as a fertilizer for its medical cannabis

Canada

Yukoners spent more money on cannabis than any other province or territory during the fiscal year ending Mar. 31, 2023