KINGSLEY Wheaton found himself in the middle of a coup d’état. It was 1999. At 23, he had joined the cigarette manufacturer, Rothmans, who had sent him to Dubai.

A new nicotine inhaler to be sold by a unit of British American Tobacco has been licensed in Britain as a medicinal product, marking the arrival of a novel alternative in the fast-growing market for electronic cigarettes.

A RANGE of nicotine products aimed at people seeking a “safer” alternative to cigarettes are to be developed by an international tobacco group.

The world’s second largest tobacco group today said it sold fewer cigarettes as smokers cut back their consumption in the economic downturn.

One of the world’s biggest tobacco companies today pledged €134m towards European efforts to smash the illegal trade in cigarettes.

Former Bank of Ireland governor Richard Burrows is to become chairman of global tobacco giant British American Tobacco (BAT), it was announced today.

BRITISH American Tobacco’s decision to appoint the former governor of the Bank of Ireland, Richard Burrows, as chairman of the world’s second largest cigarette manufacturer could get a hostile reception from the markets.

Fears of an interest rate hike in the US failed to stop the London market from reaching a four-month high today as blue-chips were buoyed by some positive trading updates.

The FTSE 100 Index saw another volatile day of trading today as it swung between gains and losses after further fears over the health of the US economy spooked investors.

The London market was on the rise today after takeover interest in cigarette giant Gallaher lit up the tobacco sector.

Cigarette maker British American Tobacco (BAT) said today impressive growth from its key global brands helped boost profits.

British American Tobacco today said it had enjoyed a strong start to 2006, but currency swings meant it would be tough to sustain such a positive performance.

Heavy profit-taking dragged London markets into the red today as shares in blue chip heavyweight Vodafone remained at their lowest level for three years.

Retailers and insurers helped the FTSE 100 Index break through the 5700 landmark barrier today for the first time since July 2001.

THE €15 billion National Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF) is to review its policy on ethical investments.

Sugar group Tate & Lyle helped London’s leading shares end the week on a high note today amid relief over the impact of EU sugar reforms.

Relief over the impact of EU sugar reforms and a recovery for property stocks kept the FTSE 100 Index on an even keel today.

ANTI-SMOKING campaigners yesterday warned that plans by one of the world’s largest tobacco companies to launch so-called “safer” cigarettes in Britain could cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

Anti-smoking campaigners today said plans by one of the world’s largest tobacco companies to launch so-called “safer” cigarettes could cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

British American Tobacco today said it was heading for a highly satisfactory year after volumes of its top four brands rose 9% in the first nine months of this year.

IT specialist Sage led the FTSE 100 Index further below the key 5300 barrier today despite delivering results in line with hopes.

HONDA already have their sights set on claiming the Formula One constructors’ world championship after announcing a buyout of the BAR team yesterday.

Honda are to become the sole owners of the BAR Formula One team next season after British American Tobacco (BAT) today confirmed they have agreed to the sale of their 55% stake in the British-based outfit.

Weaker retail stocks and a slide for oil company BP prevented the FTSE 100 Index from rounding off a strong week in positive territory today.

Brewing giant SABMiller was the toast of the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index chased a positive end to the trading week.

British American Tobacco vowed today to “vigorously defend itself” after Canada’s Supreme Court cleared the way for the company to be sued for costs of smoking-related illnesses.

Telecoms stock O2 was the talk of the market today after an upbeat trading statement made it one of the highest blue-chip risers.

The FTSE 100 Index put aside jitters over Hurricane Rita today to surge back above the 5400 level.

London’s top shares moved back into the black today despite a negative impact from shares going ex-dividend.

The London market was stuck in first gear today as data showed the number of jobless in the UK rose for the seventh month in a row in August.

Losses by major oil stocks weighed on investors in London today as the FTSE 100 Index fell back to the 5300 level.

The London market extended its gains today as investors in oil giants rejoiced at the rising price of crude.

A string of broker upgrades helped put the FTSE 100 Index on course to set another three-year high today.

Marks & Spencer was leading the London market higher today amid talk that an Icelandic investment firm is building up a stake in the retailer.

The London market ended today back above the 5000 level after investors took heart from news about US interest rates.

Imperial Tobacco shares rose 2% today after the cigarette maker won a landmark case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Further bleak news from the retail sector sent a clutch of famous high street names into negative territory on the London market today.

British American Tobacco today said profits had risen by 8.5% on the back of good profit growth across most of its businesses.

Drinks firms helped lift spirits on the London market today as investors warmed to the prospect of a possible bidding war for Allied Domecq.

The FTSE 100 Index ended today firmly in negative territory despite an upbeat start to the session in New York.

Investors eyeing a potential £7.2bn takeover of drinks giant Allied Domecq helped stir the London market back into life today.

The London market plotted a steady course today despite the impact of a profits warning by photographic specialist Jessops on the retail sector.

Record results from BP helped the FTSE 100 Index creep even closer to the landmark 5000 barrier today.

Record results from BP ensured the FTSE 100 Index kept the landmark 5000 barrier within its sights today.