Universal Corp. is engaged in the processing, procuring, financing, packing, storing, shipping and trading of leaf tobacco. The company operates its business through the following business segments: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Dark Air-Cured, Oriental and Special Services. The North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia segments are involved in flue-cured and burley leaf tobacco operations. The Dark Air-Cured segment includes supplying dark air-cured tobacco to manufacturers of cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. The Oriental segment supplies oriental tobacco to cigarette manufacturers. The Special Services segment provides laboratory services, including physical and chemical product testing and smoke testing. Universal was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Richmond, VA.