Troutman Sanders Tobacco practice partner Bryan Haynes was quoted in a recent article regarding the Master Settlement Agreement payment dispute between the States and the major tobacco companies.

The article discusses the major tobacco companies’ effort to obtain refunds of settlement payments made for 2003 sales based on their claim that the States did not “diligently enforce” escrow obligations imposed on non-signatories to the settlement agreement.  Thirty-three States are currently arbitrating these issues, with decisions expected in 2013.  Any refunds would be deducted from future settlement payments.

The article can be found here.

For questions and/or comments, please contact Bryan Haynes, Troutman Sanders Tobacco practice partner, at 804.697.1420 or by email.