Residents React to Reynolds’ Acquisition of Lorillard

It's official. Reynolds American, Inc. plans to buy Greensboro-based Lorillard in a nearly $27 billion dollar acquisition deal. Reynolds American is based in Winston-Salem and company official said t will remain a part of the city's downtown skyline.

On Tuesday afternoon, local residents in the downtown area gave their initial reactions to the big news.

"Reynolds American, Inc. knew the risks they were taking with this acquisition. I figure they are making their business bigger to have a higher chance of making it in the long run, said Kevin is from High Point.

"People are always going to smoke and Reynolds American, Inc. will always have customers. I quit smoking a few months back and so I'm not that concerned about the acquisition," said Dale from Pilot Mountain.

Rodney Dean of Winston-Salem said, "With the size of the Reynolds company, it would take a lot to affect them. I don't think the acquisition will have that much of an effect on the company.

James, who is also from Winston-Salem, didn't want to give his last name, but he wants to know if Reynolds American will be hiring anyone locally. He said "You can't really tell how this acquisition will impact the city until you see what they do with it".

The headquarters for Reynolds American, Inc. are located on North Main Street in downtown Winston-Salem.