Imperial set to meet targets

Embassy cigarette maker Imperial Tobacco today confirmed its annual results for the year to September 30 were set to meet management targets.

Imperial added that the integration of Gauloises maker Altadis was “progressing well”, while trends across the whole business have been in line with those highlighted in July.

The firm said two months ago that the rate of decline in its UK market had slowed due to fewer purchases of brands abroad as the impact of a weaker economy and currency reduced overseas travel.

In January, Imperial announced price rises across its UK portfolio, which also includes Lambert & Butler, JPS and Richmond. The company has a 45% share of the UK cigarette market.