Staten willen Philip Morris redden
Nu rechters steeds vaker zware miljardenboetes opleggen bij zaken tegen de tabaksindustrie beginnen Amerikaanse staten steeds banger te worden voor het voortbestaan van hun inkomstenbron: de uitkeringen uit het Master Settlement Agreement.
…. Ms. Gregoire and other state attorneys general may go to court to protect Philip Morris USA, the maker of Marlboro. At issue: an Illinois state judge’s order that Philip Morris, owned by Altria Group Inc., post a $12 billion bond in order to appeal a massive defeat in a class-action lawsuit. Philip Morris USA suggested the bond requirement could force it into bankruptcy court.
En de staten ontvangen nogal wat uit de MSA:
TOBACCO MONEY States receiving the highest disbursement under the Tobacco Litigation Master Settlement Agreement through January 2003
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