Through acquisition, Premier Manufacturing to add four MSA Signatory brands to its consumer products portfolio.

The consumer products division of U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc. (USTC), Premier Manufacturing of Chesterfield, Mo., has reached an agreement to purchase 100% of the stock of King Maker Marketing, Inc. (KMM) of Paramus, N.J. from its parent company ITC Limited.

“We are extremely pleased with this acquisition of King Maker Marketing and adding ownership of four MSA Signatory brands to our consumer products portfolio. Each of the brands has a solid sales history and consumer following.” said USTC CEO Stuart Thompson.

King Maker Marketing nationally distributes four brands of value cigarettes – Ace, Checkers, Gold Crest and Hi-Val.

“The addition of these nationally recognized brands to our portfolio allows us to increase market share in our category and expand distribution due to our larger sales and marketing organization,” said USTC Vice President of Consumer Products Russ Mancuso.

Completion date of the transaction is set for November.