Juul Labs Inc is in early deal talks with Philip Morris International Inc (PMI), Japan Tobacco Group (JT) and Altria Group Inc, reports Reuters.

News of the potential deal was first reported by the Wall Street Journal that cited people familiar with the matter who said Juul was discussing a potential sale, strategic investment, licensing or distribution deal with the three tobacco giants.
Juul had already been in the late stages of talks with Altria last year, but a potential deal fell through due to Juul’s potential bankruptcy filing and, around the same time, Altria made use of its option to be released from its non-compete deal.
Juul has been involved with thousands of lawsuits across the country accusing the company of marketing its products for youths and only last week was able to secure preliminary court approval of a USD 255 million settlement resolving the claims by consumers, reports Reuters.
While talks are now being held with PMI, JT and Altria, a deal is not imminent and Juul has declined to comment on the matter.