Media Our Heritage Altria's companies have a strong American heritage stretching back more than 190 years. When George Weyman opened his tobacconist shop in Pittsburgh in 1822, he had no idea he was taking the first steps toward creating U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, the world's largest smokeless tobacco company. And when John Middleton established his Philadelphia tobacco shop in 1856, he was paving the way to become one of America's largest cigar manufacturers. In 1929, when Philip Morris & Co.'s leaders selected Richmond, Va. as their new manufacturing hub, they didn't realize their focus on quality would help the company soon sell more than half of all cigarettes sold in the United States. Our focus on quality and consumers has helped make us the leader in the tobacco industry for more than 40 years. We're proud that we've provided thousands of jobs right here in America for almost a century and of our longstanding partnerships with numerous organizations that promote inclusion, diversity and equity. For nearly a century, our companies have supported numerous efforts to champion equality for and conduct business with diverse people and teams. Altria Philip Morris USA U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. John Middleton Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Heritage 2021 2021 On October 1, Altria completed the sale of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates business. 2021 In December 2020 and April 2021, Altria subsidiaries closed transactions to acquire the remaining 20% of the global on! business for a total of approximately $250 million. 2019 Altria's Board votes to increase Altria's regular quarterly dividend for the 54th time in 50 years. Altria celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation. 2019 With an agreement to acquire 80% ownership of certain Burger Söhne Holding AG (the "Burger Group") companies, Altria Group enters the growing oral nicotine products category. Altria Group establishes Helix Innovations LLC, a parent company of Burger Group subsidiaries, to commercialize and distribute on!, an oral tobacco-derived nicotine pouch product. 2019 Altria Group makes a significant investment in The Cronos Group, a global cannabinoid company. 2018 Altria Group makes an investment in JUUL Labs, Inc. e-vapor company. 2017 Altria Group acquires Sherman Group Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (Nat Sherman). 2016 Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev) merges with SAB Miller plc, becoming the world's largest drink and brewing holdings company. Altria retains a 9.6% economic and voting interest in the new group, and nominates two members to AB InBev's Board of Directors. 2010 Atria launches its first online Corporate Responsibility Progress Report. 2009 Altria Group acquires UST Inc., a holding company whose primary businesses manufacture and market moist smokeless tobacco products through U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and premium wines through Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. 2009 The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act is signed into law, giving FDA the authority to regulate the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of tobacco products. 2008 Altria relocates its headquarters to Richmond, Va., and completes the spin-off of Philip Morris International. 2007 Altria spins off Kraft Foods, distributing all shares owned by Altria to Altria's shareholders. Altria acquires John Middleton. 2003 Philip Morris Cos. is renamed The Altria Group Inc., and remains the parent company of Kraft Foods Inc., Philip Morris International, Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris Capital Corporation. 2002 Miller Brewing Company merges with South African Breweries to form SABMiller plc., the world's second-largest beer company, with Philip Morris Cos. retaining a continuing interest in the enlarged group. 2000 The Philip Morris Companies Community Employee Fund (later Altria Companies Employee Community Fund and Altria Contributing Together - act) is established, enabling greater employee activity and philanthropy in our operating communities. 1989 Kraft and General Foods combine to form Kraft General Foods. 1988 Philip Morris Cos. acquires Kraft Foods Inc. 1985 Philip Morris Cos. is incorporated, and becomes the publicly-held holding company and parent of Philip Morris Inc. Philip Morris Cos. acquires General Foods Corp. 1982 Philip Morris Credit Corporation (now Philip Morris Capital Corporation) is incorporated. 1920 Philip Morris & Co. produces its first Annual Report. 1920 Operating Companies Philip Morris USA U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. John Middleton Helix Innovations LLC Philip Morris Capital Corp. Other Links Submit Your Idea Contact Us Privacy CA Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Terms of Use © 1999 - 2021 Altria Group, Inc.