** Shares of agricultural biotech firm 22nd Century Group
XXII.O up ~7% at $1.35 premarket
** Stock set for first day of gains after declining for five
straight sessions
** Company has initiated process to evaluate strategic
alternatives for its tobacco assets - XXII
** "The current market capitalization of the company does
not appropriately reflect the value of our assets or their
long-term potential," says Nora Sullivan, chair of XXII board
** Company to explore business combinations, asset sales,
licensing agreements, alternate financing strategies and other
options
** XXII says it engaged TD Cowen as advisers, adding it has
not established a timeline for completion of the review process
** As of last close, stock down ~91% YTD
(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru)
((DeborahMary.Sophia@thomsonreuters.com))