TOKYO, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Japan Tobacco ( JAPAF )

agreed to acquire Vector Group ( VGR ), the fourth largest

tobacco company in the United States, the Japanese company said

on Wednesday, in an equity transaction estimated at around $2.4

billion.

A JT-backed company will launch a tender offer for Vector

shares at $15 per share to raise its stake in Vector from zero

to 100%, JT said.