SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report: July 9, 1997
(Date of earliest event reported)
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Virginia 1-652 54-0414210
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
of Incorporation) Identification No.)
1501 North Hamilton Street 23230
Richmond, Virginia (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(804) 359-9311
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Item 5. Other Events.
The press release issued by the Registrant on July 9, 1997 and attached
hereto as Exhibit 99 is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
99 Press release issued by the Registrant on July 9, 1997.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date: July 17, 1997 By: /s/ William J. Coronado
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William J. Coronado
Controller
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Exhibit Index
Number Document
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99 Press release issued by the Registrant on July 9, 1997.
Exhibit 99
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION NEWS
P.O. Box 25099 Phone: (804)359-9311
Richmond, VA 23260 Fax: (804)254-3584
Contact: Release:
KAREN M.L. WHELAN July 9, 1997
Phone: (804)359-9311 1:45 p.m. EDT
Fax: (804)254-3594
UNIVERSAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES TANZANIAN ACQUISITION
RICHMOND, VA, July 9, 1997 / PRNEWSWIRE
Universal Corporation today announced the purchase of Tanzania's only
leaf processing facility, located in Morogoro. The acquisition was part of
Tanzania's ongoing privatization process and includes the leaf processing plant,
buying centers, storages and offices located throughout the tobacco growing
regions. Further investments are anticipated to expand and modernize the
processing facility and associated marketing infrastructure.
Tanzania has been enjoying increasing importance and growth in the leaf
tobacco industry as a producer of flue-cured "filler" type tobacco which is in
high demand, particularly from European cigarette manufacturers. Tanzania is the
second largest producer of flue-cured tobacco in Africa and one of the world's
largest producers of dark-fired tobaccos. Universal is the market leader in
Tanzania.
Henry H. Harrell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal,
noted, "This acquisition is important strategically and solidifies our already
strong position in one of the most promising new areas in Africa for
"filler-style" flue-cured tobacco. We applaud the Tanzanian government for its
far-sighted efforts to create a viable free market economy as well as the very
professional manner in which they have conducted their privatization process. We
are excited about the opportunities for future growth in Tanzania and look
forward to strengthening our long-standing relationship and commitment to the
Tanzanian tobacco industry."
Universal Corporation is a diversified company with operations in
tobacco, lumber, and agri-products. Its gross revenues for the fiscal year that
ended on June 30, 1996, were approximately $3.6 billion.
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