Chinese Lawmakers: Tobacco and Justice Rules

chinese lawmakers: European Court of Justice rules against big tobacco The ECJ ruled in favor of those calling for plain tobacco packaging laws and a ban on flavored cigarettes, according to Deutsche Welle. The move comes ahead of a new law in Germany that will see pictures of diseased lungs on packs of cigarettes. Several countries, including New Zealand and Norway, have also pledged to ditch pack logos. China needs to act against smoking At the ongoing annual national legislative session, Chinese lawmakers should adopt a raft of measures such as smoke-free public places to curb smoking, the WHO country representative Bernhard Schwartlaender tells DW. British American Tobacco said Friday it was seeking to buy a stake of 57.8 percent in Reynolds American for about $47 billion . The cash-and-shares offer would see BAT purchase exactly the amount of remaining shares that it does not already own. London-listed BAT, which already holds 42.2 percent in Reynolds, said the transaction would give it a leading position in the US tobacco market and a significant presence inhigh growth emerging markets, together with the most attractive developed markets. "The proposed merger of our two great companies is the logical progression in our relationship and offers all shareholders a stake in a stronger, truly global tobacco and Next Generation Products company," said BAT chief executive Nicandro Durante. BAT bids $56.50 per Reynolds share - a 20-percent premium on Thursday close - valuing the North Carolina-based company at around $93 billion. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.