LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation issued the following statement regarding a federal court ruling in Minnesota denying class certification in a suit by Minnesota smokers who seek to participate in smoking cess

``The trial court's decision continues the trend of no federal court certifying a class action in a smoking and health case. It is yet another demonstration that illustrates smoking and health lawsuits should not be treated as class actions. ``In this case, Federal District Judge Paul A. Magnuson rejected the plaintiffs' application for class certification stating that 'the plaintiffs' complaint is riddled with individual questions that predominate over questions common to the class.' For example, Judge Magnuson noted that to recover, 'each plaintiff must establish an addiction to cigarettes. With a class of approximately 700,000 individuals, the assessment necessary to make such a finding would be impracticable and unmanageable and would certainly predominate over questions common to the class.' ``This federal court opinion mirrors Brown & Williamson's position that the facts involving each individual's smoking and health experiences are unique and should be treated as such.'' The case dismissed by the Minnesota court was Janet Thompson, et al. v. American Tobacco Company, Inc. et al. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation is headquartered in Louisville, Ky. The company's major brands include KOOL, LUCKY STRIKE, CARLTON, CAPRI, GPC, MISTY, and VICEROY. For additional information on related subjects and issues, visit: www.brownandwilliamson.com

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