Wayne Maillet
Member
Liggett Ducat (often abbreviated as LD) is a Russian tobacco company and a prominent international brand of cigarettes.
Key Facts and History
Key Facts and History
- Origin: The company was founded as a joint stock company in the Russian Federation. Its history as a major producer dates back to 1892.
- Brand Launch: The LD cigarette brand was officially launched in Russia in 1999. It rapidly became one of the most popular cigarette brands in the country.
- Ownership Changes:
- In 2000, Liggett Ducat was acquired by the British Gallaher Group for approximately $391 million.
- In 2007, Gallaher was purchased by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which currently owns the brand.
- Global Presence: LD is now an international "discount" brand sold in over 50 markets worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and various countries across Europe and Asia.
- Manufacturing: The original factory in Moscow was shut down in 2016. For the U.S. market, LD cigarettes are currently manufactured in Turkey by JTI.