Tobacco firm’s pre-tax profits 11% in 2008

TOBACCO firm PJ Carroll saw its pre-tax profits increase 11% to €10.7 million last year despite falling cigarette sales.

The Dublin-headquartered company, which is owned by British American Tobacco, said its overall market share in Ireland for 2008 was 15.4%, down from 16.1% in 2007.

PJ Carroll lags behind Gallahers and Imperial Tobacco which hold about 75%. In addition to the Carrolls brand, it also distributes Rothmans, Major, Kent, Dunhill and Lucky Strike.