Reynolds May Buy Nicotine-Replacement Company

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) -- A newspaper is reporting Reynolds American Inc., maker of Camel cigarettes, is in talks to buy a Swedish company that helps people quit smoking.

The Wall Street Journal says the second-largest U.S. tobacco company is eyeing Niconovum AB, which sells such nicotine-replacement products as gum and spray outside the U.S.

The paper says David Sweanor, a Canadian law professor and tobacco expert, said he was briefed by people close to the talks and the deal could be worth $44.5 million.

The company's Web site says Karl Olov Fagerstrom, an expert on smoking cessation and nicotine dependence, formed the company in 2000.

Sweanor, Niconovum and Reynolds American did not immediately return calls seeking comment.