Alliance One International is a merchant that provides leaf tobacco to the world s largest multinational cigarette manufacturers. The company selects, purchases, processes, packs, stores and ships leaf tobacco. It also offers agronomy expertise and financing for growing operations. Alliance One International was formed in 2005 with the merger of DIMON Incorporated and Standard Commercial Corporation. The company s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AOI. It is headquartered in Danville, Va., and employs nearly 17,500 people.