This restructuring refers to Kraft Foods. The reason behind developing Kraft Foods into an independent company relies on enhancing growth and creating long-term value. By gaining its independence, Kraft Foods will benefit from increased flexibility, which will allow the company to address the market in new and diverse manners. Also, the company will benefit from: "access to an acquisition currency that is not available to it today; engaging in alliances that potential partners will pursue eagerly, given the absence of a controlling shareholder; enhancing its ability to pursue divestitures in a tax efficient manner; access to greater debt capacity" (Camilleri, 2006). The group's Camilleri further stated that "Philip Morris USA's overarching financial objective is to balance moderate share growth behind the strength of Marlboro and its three other focus brands with sustainable and predictable earnings growth" (Camilleri, 2006).

The Philip...

Another new direction for the group's international strategy consists in concentrating on entering the smokeless market category, that seems to be expanding and that presents great opportunities that the group can exploit.
Reference List

Our Mission and Goals (2008). The Altria Group. Retrieved August 28, 2008 at http://www.altria.com/about_altria/1_1_altriagroup.asp.

Remarks by Louis C. Camilleri Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Altria Group, Inc. At Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference (2006). The Altria Group. Retrieved August 28, 2008 at http://www.altria.com/media/press_release/03_02_pr_2006_11_16_01.asp.

Annual Report (2007). The Altria Group. Retrieved August 28, 2008 at http://www.altria.com/download/pdf/investors_AltriaGroupInc_2007_AnnualRpt.pdf.