EXHIBIT 99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               CONTACT: Scott Williams
Monday, August 25, 1997                             202-739-0225
                                                    Steve Duchesne
                                                    202-739-0245
                                                    Bozell Sawyer Miller Group 

The following statement regarding the settlement of pending litigation in
Florida was issued today by Philip Morris Incorporated; RJ Reynolds Tobacco
Company, Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation; the Lorillard Tobacco
Company; and U.S. Tobacco:

Today's settlement with the State of Florida addresses the financial issues in
Florida and is a concrete demonstration that the industry is prepared to
cooperate with government and the public health authorities to emphasize that it
does not want kids to smoke. The settlement, however, cannot effect the
comprehensive array of public health provisions contained in the proposed
national settlement which addresses all of the issues involving the regulation
and sale of, and liability for, tobacco. The Florida agreement, like the
Mississippi settlement, will be largely superseded by the June 20th, 1997
comprehensive resolution, if enacted by the Congress and signed by the
President.

This is another step in a process to end the climate of confrontation and 
litigation that has marked the national debate on tobacco related issues.  While
this case dealt with specific concerns of the State of Florida, the 
comprehensive settlement represents the best opportunity to achieve immediate 
and meaningful resolution of outstanding issues regarding tobacco, including a 
reduction in the use of tobacco products by minors and the preservation of
adults' rights to use tobacco.

The settlement provides Florida with a $550 million payment by September 15,
1997, and an additional $200 million for a pilot program directed at reducing
the use of tobacco by kids. Commencing in September 1998, the companies will pay
Florida a 5.5 percent share of the annual ongoing payments which are
contemplated to be paid to the states. Without giving effect to adjustments for
inflation and changes in sales volume, this would result in payments to Florida
of $220 million in 1998 and $247.5 million in 1999. These payments would
increase to $440 million by the sixth year and continue at that level
thereafter. Giving effect to other adjustments, Florida will receive $1 billion
from the settlement by September 15, 1998.

The industry will also be taking down all public billboards, transit, and 
stadium advertising in Florida.  A similar pilot program and the advertising 
restrictions will also be extended to Mississippi.

While today's settlement is important, we remain committed to the passage of the
comprehensive settlement we agreed to on June 20, 1997.