Details about Altria, UST

WHAT THE COMPANIES SAY: Altria Group, which owns Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, called a New York Times report that it would buy rival UST Inc. for more than $10 billion "pure speculation." UST declined to comment.

WHAT ANALYSTS SAY: Observers say Philip Morris USA has long considered buying UST for the company's smokeless products. Smokeless sales are growing as Americans buy fewer cigarettes.

GLOBAL CONSOLIDATION: Former Altria affiliate Philip Morris International is buying Canadian cigarette maker Rothmans. Observers believe Lorillard, a former unit of the Loews Corp., could become a target of three potential acquirers: Reynolds American Inc., Imperial Tobacco Group PLC or Japan Tobacco Inc.

BRAND NAMES: Philip Morris USA owns the Marlboro brand, the U.S. market leader. It also sells Bristol, Chesterfield, Parliament, Virginia Slims and other brands. UST is best known for its Copenhagen and Skoal brands.