MONTREAL, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL)
announced today that it has signed an exclusive supply agreement with R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR Tobacco) for selected printed tobacco packaging,
including folding cartons and labels. Terms of the transaction were not
disclosed.
    "The tobacco packaging market represents an attractive growth opportunity
and is strategically important to Alcan Packaging," said Christel Bories,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Packaging. "This transaction
reinforces our position in North America and will allow us to better serve RJR
Tobacco and build even closer links with this important customer," she added.
    Alcan will construct a greenfield facility in the vicinity of RJR
Tobacco's plant, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA to supply RJR
Tobacco with its folding carton and label requirements.
    Commenting on the agreement, Ralf Wunderlich, President of Alcan's Global
Tobacco Packaging business, said, "We will be able to supply RJR Tobacco with
reliable, cost-efficient, high quality packaging materials, and we are
committed to making this relationship successful and mutually beneficial."
    This exclusive supply agreement is part of a larger transaction involving
RJR Tobacco, R.J. Reynolds Packaging, Alcan and four other packaging
companies. Details of the larger transaction are outlined in a statement
issued by RJR Tobacco in which Jeffrey A. Eckmann, executive vice president of
strategy, integration, information technology and business development for
Reynolds American Inc., the parent company of RJR Tobacco said, "The
transaction represents an opportunity for the packaging business to maximize
its potential by partnering with leaders in the packaging industry. These
companies have a long-term interest in investing in and growing that
business."

    Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in
aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. With world-class
operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and
specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina
processing, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers'
needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 70,000 people and
has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.

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