Trading: TSX: ROC
TORONTO, March 13 /CNW/ - Rothmans Inc. confirmed today that Rothmans Inc. and its 60% owned subsidiary Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. ("RBH") are named as defendants, along with Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, JTI-Macdonald Corp. and a number of international tobacco product manufacturers, in a lawsuit filed by the Province of New Brunswick in the Court of Queen's Bench of New Brunswick. The lawsuit is based upon grounds which include alleged misrepresentations made by the defendants in respect of the hazards of tobacco products and seeks to recover unspecified damages for costs that are alleged by the Government of New Brunswick to have been incurred in providing health care benefits to New Brunswick residents who have allegedly suffered smoking-related illnesses.
As previously disclosed by the Company, the legal action by the Province was not unexpected. The legal action has been brought pursuant to the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act (New Brunswick) which was recently proclaimed in force. The lawsuit is similar to an action brought in 2001 in the Province of British Columbia which the defendants are vigorously contesting. The Company and RBH will be vigorously defending this New Brunswick action.
Additional information concerning legal matters and risks and uncertainties affecting the Company and RBH are contained in the Company's filings with securities regulatory authorities including the Company's 2007 Annual Report and 2007 Annual Information Form (in particular under the headings "Legal Proceedings" and "Risks Factors") which can be accessed at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.rothmansinc.ca.