General Cigar Co. Acquires Leccia Tobacco Portfolio

Sam Leccia is heading to General Cigar Co. Leccia, confirmed to halfwheel that he was joining General Cigar Co. and that the company would be responsible for the distribution and ownership of his three current lines—Black, White and Luchador.

Leccia was left without a distribution parter after General Cigar Co. acquired the Toraño brands last week, effectively shutting down Toraño Family Cigar Co., who has served as Leccia’s distribution partner. He told halfwheel he explored a few options, but ultimately felt like General Cigar Co. was the best opportunity.

News of Leccia’s move was first reported by The Cigar Authority.

Like the Toraño brands, General Cigar Co. has indicated it will keep production of the Leccia brands in the same place and not change the blends.  A press release sent out by the company indicates Leccia will work as part of Foundry Tobacco Company, which is headed up Michael Giannini.

Leccia Tobacco Co. was created early last year as part of Leccia’s return to the cigar business.

General Cigar Co. is part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group. It is believed the parent company’s upcoming public offering is behind its recent desire to acquire other companies. Even before the deal, General Cigar Co. was considered the largest premium cigar company in the U.S.

Update: The story’s original headline indicated that General acquired Leccia Tobacco Company, the press release does in fact indicate it was the Leccia Tobacco brands.