Juul and Altria have officially announced their agreement, making Altria a major shareholder in Juul. The agreement has been the subject of much speculation and controversy, particularly in the public health community, as many are concerned about the potential impact this partnership could have on public health, particularly with regards to underage use.

The deal involves Altria acquiring a 35% stake in Juul for $12.8 billion, making Juul valued at $38 billion. This means that Juul is now one of the most valuable privately-held companies in the world, and Altria has a significant stake in its future. Altria is also gaining access to Juul`s technology and innovation, which could help them to expand their product line.

While some have criticized the deal as a potential threat to public health, others see it as a necessary step for Juul to continue to grow and develop as a company. Juul has already faced significant regulatory pressure and public scrutiny over its marketing practices and the perceived attractiveness of its products to young people. The partnership with Altria could help Juul to address these concerns and improve its public image, while also providing Altria with a foothold in the rapidly growing e-cigarette market.

However, it remains to be seen how this partnership will play out in the long term, particularly with regards to public health. Many public health advocates are concerned that Altria`s involvement with Juul could lead to increased marketing and availability of e-cigarettes, particularly to underage users. Juul has already faced significant scrutiny over its marketing practices, and this partnership could heighten concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes on young people.

Overall, the Juul-Altria agreement is a significant development in the e-cigarette market, and one that will be closely watched by regulators, public health advocates, and investors alike. While there are concerns about the impact of this partnership on public health, it also represents an opportunity for Juul to continue to grow and innovate in an increasingly competitive market. Only time will tell how this partnership will ultimately play out, and what the implications will be for the e-cigarette industry as a whole.