21st Nov 2007 07:02
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC21 November 2007 Imperial Tobacco Group PLC's Master Settlement Agreement application approved Imperial Tobacco Group PLC announces that it has received confirmation from theNational Association of Attorneys General in the United States of America thatits application to join the Master Settlement Agreement as a ParticipatingManufacturer has been approved. Gareth Davis, Chief Executive, said: "This is excellent news and we are lookingforward to further enhancing our presence in this highly profitable market. Weneed to complete a formal brand registration process before launching any newImperial Tobacco brands in the USA. This process should be concluded in thecoming weeks." Following its acquisition of Commonwealth Brands, the fourth largest cigarettecompany in the USA, in April 2007 Imperial Tobacco has a strong presence in thismarket, with a cigarette share of 3.7% of the total market and 13.4% of thediscount sector. Key brands USA Gold and Sonoma are the third and sixth best-selling brands inthe discount sector, with respective shares of 8.2% and 4.8%. Following theacquisition of the USA trademarks of Bali Shag and McClintock fine cut tobaccosin July 2007, Imperial Tobacco also has around 1% of the fine cut tobacco marketto complement its established rolling papers and filter tubes business in theUSA. For further enquiries contact: Alex ParsonsGroup Media Relations Manager+44 (0)117 933 7241+44 (0)7967 467 241 John Nelson-SmithInvestor Relations Manager+44 (0)117 933 7032 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Imperial Brands