Seems like the #Vapelife is about to get a bit pricey.

While ordinary South African smokers are already sweating bullets about the new smoking laws, vapers thought they had nothing to worry about.

Until now.

Vaping prices are predicted to soar if Twisp, one of South Africa’s biggest e-cigarette companies, is bought out by British American Tobacco (BAT).

Business Insider SA below:

BAT, South Africa’s largest cigarette distributor, signed an agreement to acquire Twisp in January. Twisp is believed to be the biggest distributor of vaping products in SA.

The deal is subject to approval from the South African Competition Tribunal.

According to Soraya Benchikh, CEO of BAT South Africa, acquiring out Twisp would mean that their company would achieve sustainability in the country:

We already have a large footprint elsewhere in the world. We are committed to the growth of our next generation products business and it was only natural that we extend our offering in SA with a range that is familiar to this market.

Sounds like a chipper bunch.

However, not everyone is thrilled about this potential buy-out.

Per a statement from the Competition Commission, which is mandated to promote and maintain competition in South Africa:

The merger is likely to result in unilateral effects which may manifest in the form of an increase in prices of e-cigarettes in future or a reduction in the rate of price reductions that could potentially occur with BAT’s entry.

[The merger can also lead to] a reduction in the quality or rate of innovation of e-cigarette products offered post-merger.

The Commission recommends that the proposed transaction be prohibited.

Oof, that’s a big blow to BAT, and a victory of sorts for Twisp and relieved vapers everywhere.

But don’t hold your breath just yet – the battle looks to be far from over.

[source:businessinsider]