compete with wholesaler Pitt & Co. Ltd.

Cassia Tobacco Co. opened yesterday offering cartons of cigarettes at discounted prices. Former Tobacco Associates manager Reggie Cabral and Christina Viera are owners of the business along with Stephen Moniz and Wendell Brown.

Mr. Cabral said the company will primarily operate as a wholesaler and also sell tobacco products directly through its own outlets.

Tobacco Associates was bought out by Pitt & Co. in October last year, giving the company a monopoly in the Bermuda market. In an opening day special, Cassia is offering savings of up to about $8 on a carton, and $1 on a packet of cigarettes.

Cassia is operating out of Melbourne House on Victoria Street, the former premises of Tobacco Associates. The company is currently renovating premises near Smuggler's Reef on Front Street, and near Traditions Restaurant on Middle Road, Southampton.

Last year Pitt & Co. general manager Ken Hockenhull said the declining market for cigarette products led to the buyout. At the time Tobacco Associates president Edgar Wilkinson said he planned to retire.

Graphic file name: CABBRAL