Oliva Cigar Co., one of the largest premium cigar operations in the world, is close to being sold. The expected buyer will be a new name to most: J. Cortès. Up until now, the European firm best known for its J. Cortès cigarillos, has had virtually no presence in the American market. J. Cortès is the final bidder in a sale process that has gone on for months. A high-placed source close to the negotiations told halfwheel no deal has been reached, but indicated that the two companies are in advanced talks. Other sources have told halfwheel that J. Cortès was selected as the preferred buyer after beating out bids from other companies. The deal, which is expected to be completed, will see J. Cortès acquire an operation that almost exclusively produces premium cigars. Oliva’s premium offerings include eponymous lines under its own name like Serie G, Serie O, Serie V, Serie V Melanio and Connecticut Reserve. The company also sells its Cain and NUb offerings as part of its STUDIO TOBAC division and a popular value-priced line, Flor de Oliva, which is sold in bundles. The company also produces a machine-made dry cigar named Viejo Mundo. All of those cigars are produced at the company’s Tabacalera ...
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