E-cigarette maker Juul plans layoffs, Europe and Asia exit

NEW YORK: Troubled e-cigarette maker Juul plans to pull out of Europe and Asia and lay off more workers after already shedding a third of its workforce, the Wall Street Journal said Wednesday.

The start-up could end sales in 11 countries including Italy, Germany, Russia, Indonesia and the Philippines, the paper said, noting the US, Canada and Britain accounted for 90 percent of its sales in the first quarter. That is expected to be accompanied by lay-offs, but no precise numbers have yet been announced.

Juul did not respond to an AFP request for comment late Wednesday.

The labor cuts would allow the company to invest in developing new products, according to an email sent to staff by Juul CEO Kevin Crosthwaite.