Altadis, S.A. was formed by merger in 1999 by SEITA (the former French tobacco monopoly) and Tabacalera, S.A. (the Spanish tobacco company), which majority owned Consolidated Cigar Corp. in the United States. In September, 2000, Altadis purchased a 50% stake in Habanos, S.A. , the owner of most of the Cuban cigar brands.