Freshfields advises JTI on the acquisition of make-your-own tobacco brands

Global law firm Freshfields is advising Japan Tobacco Inc. on the acquisition of the make-your-own tobacco brands BREAK and Moro from Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S.

BREAK and Moro are established make-your-own tobacco brands, primarily sold in Germany. The acquisition is structured as an asset deal. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including required antitrust approvals, and is expected before the end of 2026. Following completion, a contract manufacturing agreement with a term of up to three years is envisaged to ensure continuity of production and a smooth transition.

The Freshfields team is being led by Partner Natascha Doll and Principal Associate Maximilian Kind (both M&A, Hamburg), supported by Principal Associates Marius Stein (Frankfurt) and Aljosha Barath (both Commercial/IP) as well as Associate Julius Friedrich (M&A, both Hamburg).

The team also included:

Partners: Alvaro Pliego Selie (Amsterdam), Dr. Dominic Divivier (Düsseldorf, both Antitrust)

Counsel: Dr. Martin Rehberg (Tax, Munich)

Principal Associates: Niklas Andree (Antitrust, Düsseldorf), Flavia Lang, Severin Pretzel (both Employment Law, Hamburg)

Associates: Dr. Ilko Trenn (Tax, Munich), Pascal Schönemann (Antitrust, Düsseldorf), Steffen Blume (M&A, Hamburg), Soraya Khanfar (Antitrust, Amsterdam)