Philip Morris Says California Jury Verdict in Smoker Case Consistent w

    Business Editors

    LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2005--A state court jury has determined that Philip Morris USA is not liable for damages in a claim brought by a California man who began smoking the company's cigarettes in 1964.
    In 2003, another jury had rejected all but one claim brought by Frederic Reller. Today's verdict resolved that claim in favor of Philip Morris USA. Reller died shortly after the first trial, but his wife sought a retrial on the one remaining allegation and had asked for more than $17 million in damages.
    "Based on evidence presented at trial, it was clear that the plaintiff's husband made an informed decision as to whether to smoke," said William S. Ohlemeyer, Philip Morris USA vice president and associate general counsel.

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CONTACT: Altria Corporate Services, Inc. Lisa Gonzalez, 917-663-2144

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT FOODS/BEVERAGES RETAIL SOURCE: Altria Corporate Services, Inc.

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