ST builds strength in US cigar market

Scandinavian Tobacco (ST) has acquired US cigar company CAO International. ST is an international tobacco company with substantial interests in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe and smoking tobacco.

ST is one of the largest cigar companies in the world. With its headquarters in The Netherlands it consists of a number of subsidiary companies of which Henri Wintermans is the most well known.

It also owns the world’s best selling small cigar, Café Crème, as well as other international brands.

CAO was started by Cano Ozgener and the brand has been an outstanding success with cigar connoisseurs for its superb quality, combined with setting new and innovative standards.

“It is an important step that CAO becomes a member of ST,” says Rob Zwarts, chief executive officer of ST.

“This is not only an ideal way to enter the large and growing US cigar market, but CAO will also act as a platform to further grow our business in the USA with additional concepts and brands. In that respect it is of great value that both Tim and Aylin Ozgener have decided to continue to be active in key functions of the company.” Founder Cano Ozgener stated that he welcomed ST’s expertise, resources and plans to grow the company further in the USA, and additionally that the CAO brands will now get access to an international network of first class marketing and sales organisations.

“We also feel very privileged to be able to continue the special relationship we have with our current suppliers whom we have always worked with as a real team,” said Cano Ozgener.

Gary Hyams has been appointed Chairman of CAO International, having previously been managing director of Henri Wintermans’ UK based company, Loretta Cigars. Tim Ozgener will continue to serve as president of the company.

By Rob Allanson

Section : News

Page number : 4

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 11 on 11/05/2007.

This article is 21 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	ST builds strength in US cigar market Scandinavian Tobacco (ST) has acquired US cigar company CAO International. ST is an international tobacco company with substantial interests in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe and smoking tobacco. ST is one of the largest cigar companies in the world. With its headquarters in The Netherlands it consists of a number of subsidiary companies of which Henri Wintermans is the most well known. It also owns the world’s best selling small cigar, Café Crème, as well as other international brands. CAO was started by Cano Ozgener and the brand has been an outstanding success with cigar connoisseurs for its superb quality, combined with setting new and innovative standards. “It is an important step that CAO becomes a member of ST,” says Rob Zwarts, chief executive officer of ST. “This is not only an ideal way to enter the large and growing US cigar market, but CAO will also act as a platform to further grow our business in the USA with additional concepts and brands. In that respect it is of great value that both Tim and Aylin Ozgener have decided to continue to be active in key functions of the company.” Founder Cano Ozgener stated that he welcomed ST’s expertise, resources and plans to grow the company further in the USA, and additionally that the CAO brands will now get access to an international network of first class marketing and sales organisations. “We also feel very privileged to be able to continue the special relationship we have with our current suppliers whom we have always worked with as a real team,” said Cano Ozgener. Gary Hyams has been appointed Chairman of CAO International, having previously been managing director of Henri Wintermans’ UK based company, Loretta Cigars. Tim Ozgener will continue to serve as president of the company. By Rob Allanson Section : News Page number : 4 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 11 on 11/05/2007. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 21 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2009. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.