TOBACCO

Philip Morris Says Mid-Level Execs Received Subpoenas: The tobacco company said that six to 12 mid-level managers and other lower-ranking employees received subpoenas to testify before a federal grand jury and that the tobacco company’s top executives had not. Employees at Philip Morris Cos.’ Richmond, Va., operation have been asked to testify in the Justice Department’s probe into whether tobacco companies and their executives knowingly provided false information about nicotine’s addictiveness. “All of our employees have been informed by the company of the department’s interest,” said Michael York, an attorney for New York-based Philip Morris. “They’ve also all been informed about the company’s desire to cooperate, and the Justice Department knows that.” His comments are in response to various news reports Friday quoting government officials who said Philip Morris executives had been subpoenaed after they failed to cooperate with requests for testimony. On Sunday, Philip Morris Senior Vice President Steven Parrish appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation” and said that “senior executives from our companies have not received subpoenas.” He declined to answer further questions on the investigation. As many as 12 Philip Morris employees in Richmond received subpoenas over the last few weeks, York said.