Tobacco sales and distribution company to lay off 150 in Fort Lauderdale

Commonwealth-Altadis, a tobacco sales and distribution company, notified state officials that it would lay off 150 people in Fort Lauderdale. The company was created in 2011 to combine the sales and marketing operations of Imperial Tobacco Group subsidiaries Altadis U.S.A. and Commonwealth Brands. Its brands include USA Gold, Montclair, Dutch Masters, Backwoods and Phillies. The WARN notice said the 150 employees at its 5900 N. Andrews Ave. office would be released from Aug. 15 through Dec. 31.…