Trading Statement

TRADING UPDATE

Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (Imperial Tobacco) confirms that the overall financial position and operational performance of the Group for the financial year to 30 September 2012 is in line with the Board's expectations.

Following a first quarter impacted by various external factors, we delivered strong revenue and profit growth in the second quarter, improving our revenue and profit momentum as we enter the second half. First half reported tobacco net revenues* are expected to increase by around 3 per cent and reported stick equivalent volumes are expected to decline by around 4 per cent.

Our performance reflects continued success across our key strategic brands Davidoff, Gauloises Blondes, West and JPS and our luxury Cuban cigar portfolio, complemented by fine cut tobacco gains and further smokeless growth.

Imperial Tobacco expects to release its results for the half year ending 31 March 2012 on Tuesday 1 May.

*At constant currency

Certain statements in this trading update constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. As a result, you are cautioned not to place any reliance on such statements. Nothing in this trading update should be construed as a profit forecast.

Enquiries

Gerry Gallagher (Director of Investor Communications)

Telephone: +44 (0) 117 933 7014

John Nelson-Smith (Investor Relations Manager)

Telephone: +44 (0) 117 933 7032

Grant Edmunds (Investor Relations Manager)

Telephone: +44 (0) 117 933 7117

Alex Parsons (Director of Corporate Communications)

Telephone: +44 (0) 117 933 7241

Copies of our announcements are available on our website: www.imperial-tobacco.com