Since around the end of April 2024, rumours have been circulating in the online media and by word of mouth that the shareholders of Intertabak AG, Villiger / Levy, want to sell their shares in Habanos S.A. and are currently negotiating the price. According to a distributor, this step was decided at a board meeting. What is behind the rumours? The co-owner and member of the Board of Directors, Louis-Charles Levy, now speaks exclusively to Zigarren.Zone.

4 minutes

I have communicated with Mr Levy. Mr Levy's statement is included in this article in the original French and in a German translation.

Looking back: What happened?

In April 2024, it was announced that Habanos S.A., an organisation run by the Cuban government, was planning to change its export strategy. This organisation is responsible for exporting Cuban cigars worldwide. The new plans envisage significantly reducing deliveries to markets in which Habanos S.A. does not have full control over distribution.

This strategic decision is part of a comprehensive reorganisation of Habanos S.A.'s distribution channels with the aim of gaining global control of the distribution networks. The importer in Switzerland, Intertabak AG, belongs to 50% Habanos S.A., 25% Villiger and 25% Levy.

Here are two articles at Zigarren.Zone:

Exclusive contract secured: 5TH Avenue 2024 with statement by Mr Levy on Intertabak AG

Intertabak AG fights for Cuban cigar supply in Switzerland

Takeover rumours: the facts

The following is the German translation of the document I received from Mr Levy.

________

„There are currently a number of rumours circulating that relate to Intertabak AG. The first would be a change in the shareholder structure. A quick look at the commercial register would be enough for anyone who is curious to make sure that this is not the case.

The shareholding is still the same. 

I can confirm that nobody has approached me about a change.

The second rumour says that deliveries for 2024 will fall by 40 %. There will be a decline in deliveries. The original production problems have not yet stabilised. This circulating figure corresponds to the reality of another distributor. Ours is lower.

The fact that all mixed distribution partners were officially informed of this decline is entirely in keeping with respect for relations between shareholders.

However, this is not an indication of a possible reduction in delivery volumes.

Switzerland was the third most valuable country in 2023 and the fifth most valuable country in terms of volume. This is testament to its maturity, solidity and the complete professionalism of the Intertabak AG team.“

________

Note: No shareholders and their shares are publicly visible in the extract from the commercial register.

________

Here is the original French text:

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Resources on the topic

Extract from the commercial register of the canton of Basel-Landschaft: Intertabak AG: 

Article at Zigarren.Zone:

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