The UK competition watchdog today hit 10 retailers and two tobacco manufacturers with fines totalling £225m (€255.9m) for "unlawful practices" in pricing of cigarettes, cigars and rolling tobacco.

MOY PARK, the largest poultry processor in Ireland has appointed Nigel Dunlop as its new managing director and chief executive.

Imperial Tobacco, the maker of Davidoff cigarettes, secured a major new market today after winning approval to introduce its European brands to the United States.

Tobacco giant Gallaher’s creation of 95 new jobs at its Co Antrim plant could draw in further employment, it was claimed today.

UK Embassy cigarette firm Imperial Tobacco today won the backing of its shareholders for a £11bn (€16bn) takeover of Gauloises firm Altadis.

Imperial Tobacco could be poised to make a third takeover approach to Gauloises cigarette maker Altadis, it was reported today.

The FTSE 100 Index powered to its highest level for nearly six years today as investors welcomed the end of an investigation into an arms deal between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia.

Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut owner Gallaher today backed a £7.5bn (€11.2bn) takeover offer from the world’s third largest tobacco company.

Japan Tobacco has agreed to acquire Britain’s Gallaher Group for nearly £10bn (€14.9bn), the largest corporate acquisition by a Japanese company, it is reported today.

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

Tobacco shares were ignited today by speculation over a takeover battle for Gallaher, which owns the brands Benson & Hedges and Silk Cut.

VALENTINO ROSSI’S Yamaha team have surprised MotoGP by unveiling Camel as their new title sponsors.

Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha team have surprised MotoGP by unveiling Camel as their new title sponsors.

Camel have withdrawn from MotoGP, accusing the series of a lack of “sporting spirit” after failing to find a ride for Max Biaggi.

London shares ended the week on a high note today after takeover speculation kept the FTSE 100 Index above the key 5000 barrier.

Takeover talk was fuelling London shares again today as the FTSE 100 Index held ground above the key 5000 barrier.

Alleged collusion with smugglers will end up costing Philip Morris International a billion dollars (€827m) if the company's payoff offer is accepted by the European Union.

The European Union is suing US tobacco giant RJ Reynolds seeking compensation for alleged money laundering.