RJR Nabisco

RJR Nabisco is a multinational company that was formed by the merger of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Nabisco Brands, Inc. in 1985. The company is known for its diverse portfolio of tobacco and food products.

History

RJR Nabisco's history can be traced back to the formation of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1875 by Richard Joshua Reynolds. The company initially focused on the production of chewing tobacco but later diversified into cigarettes.

In 1985, R.J. Reynolds merged with Nabisco Brands, Inc., a company known for its wide range of food products, including cookies and crackers. The merger resulted in the formation of RJR Nabisco, which became one of the largest consumer product companies in the world.

Products

RJR Nabisco's product portfolio includes a wide range of tobacco and food products. The company's tobacco products are marketed under various brand names, including Camel, Winston, and Salem. On the other hand, its food products include popular brands like Oreo, Ritz, and Chips Ahoy!.

Leveraged Buyout

In 1988, RJR Nabisco was the target of a leveraged buyout led by its management and financed by the investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). The buyout, which was valued at $25 billion, was the largest of its kind at the time.

Demerger

In 1999, RJR Nabisco decided to split its food and tobacco businesses. The food business was sold to Kraft Foods, while the tobacco business continued to operate under the name R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

See Also

• R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
• Nabisco Brands, Inc.
• Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
• Kraft Foods

References

• Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
• The RJR Nabisco Story: Smoke and Mirrors by Andrew Durkin

External Links

• Official Website of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
• Official Website of Nabisco