Altria selects LRN as its global partner for ethics and compliance

New five-year agreement supports Altria’s efforts to earn greater public trust in its companies and its people

LOS ANGELES—June 13, 2007—LRN, a leading provider of ethics and compliance solutions, today announced a five-year partnership with Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) to further Altria’s corporate-wide commitment to responsible business conduct and an ethical company culture.

“Altria is in the midst of a long-term effort to earn greater public trust in our portfolio of companies after falling out of step on tobacco issues,” said David Greenberg, Altria’s senior vice president and chief compliance officer. “We have a choice in how we do that—and for us, this means inspiring and cultivating a culture where ethical decision making is part of everything we do.”

In its selection process, Altria sought a global partner whose approach and breadth of products and services were consistent with its business objectives and whose resources could engage the company’s international workforce.  Altria conducted a rigorous evaluation of major providers and selected LRN based on its philosophy, capabilities and experience in helping other Fortune 500 companies foster a global culture of ethical behavior and legal compliance.

Under the arrangement, LRN will design and implement a customized online ethics and compliance education and communication initiative tailored to meet the needs of Altria’s workforce and its global risks and business objectives. LRN will also work with Altria to design and implement an online ethics and compliance certification effort and provide implementation services and ongoing management support. The partnership will continue over five years and encompass several phases of activity.

“Investing in culture is a long-term effort,” said Dov Seidman, CEO and chairman of LRN.  “We are pleased that Altria has turned to us as their partner in engaging their workforce in their corporate values and fostering a culture where ethical decision making is part of everything they do.”  

About Altria Group, Inc.
Altria Group, Inc. is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, Philip Morris International and Philip Morris Capital Corporation.  Altria Group owns 100% of the outstanding stock of Philip Morris USA, Philip Morris International and Philip Morris Capital Corporation. Philip Morris USA is the largest tobacco company in the United States, with approximately half of the U.S. cigarette market.  Philip Morris International is a leading international tobacco company with seven of the top 20 global cigarette brands. Philip Morris Capital Corporation maintains a portfolio of leverages and direct finance leases.  In addition, Altria Group has a 28.6% economic and voting interest in SABMiller, plc., the world's second-largest brewer.
 
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