Imperial Tobacco today said it sold more cigarettes in the UK than a year ago as smokers looked for cheaper brands – bucking the trend worldwide.

The FTSE 100 rose more than 1% today as markets were cheered by strong US corporate results and a major acquisition at home.

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

A major oil discovery for BP sent the group's shares racing to their highest close for nine months today, but failed to lift the wider market.

The London market hung on to most of the near-5% rise seen in its previous session today as insurance stocks kept up their momentum.

CUSTOMS officers seized nearly 120 million illegal cigarettes last year, more than a third greater than the previous year.

The FTSE 100 Index struggled to extend Monday’s record-breaking rise today as a major mining deal brought the bounce back to a halt.

The £12.5bn (€15.8bn) takeover of British Energy saw its shares shine today in an otherwise lacklustre session for the London market.

Lambert & Butler cigarette maker Imperial Tobacco today said it had secured the backing of investors for its £4.9bn (€6.2bn) cash call.

The London market made steady progress today as sustained high oil prices helped the FTSE 100 Index recover some of yesterday’s near 3% slide.

London’s leading share index sank into the red today as a shock rise in UK inflation unnerved investors.

A drop in cigarette sales in the UK, prompted by England’s smoking ban, gathered pace at the end of last year, latest figures show.

Fresh gloom over the US economy and fears among retailers over Christmas trading saw London's blue chips slump nearly 2% today.

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.

Embassy maker Imperial Tobacco today said cigarette sales had slipped as smokers curbed their habit following the UK-wide smoking ban.

London’s blue chips were on the front foot today after a rally in US markets lifted investor sentiment on this side of the Atlantic.

Merger and acquisition activity failed to support the London market today as US sub-prime mortgage concerns again hit global markets.

Embassy cigarette maker Imperial Tobacco said today it had agreed an £11bn (€16.34bn) takeover offer for Spanish rival Altadis.

Pubs giant Punch Taverns today saw shares slide on investor disappointment over its property plans, fuelling a lacklustre session for the London market.

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

Cigarettes giant Imperial Tobacco grew profits by 5% in the UK today after price increases helped offset the impact of a slowing domestic market.

Cigarette group Imperial Tobacco today hailed the growing British popularity of its roll-your-own brands as it forecast a full year performance in line with expectations.

Cigarette maker Imperial Tobacco said today it increased its slice of the UK cigarette market as it announced a 20% rise in half-yearly pre-tax profits to £454m (€682m).

Cigarettes giant Imperial Tobacco today delivered record half-year operating profits of £497m (€707m) after integrating German acquisition Reemtsma.

Imperial Tobacco has seen its profits rise for the fifth successive year - despite a slight dip in its UK performance.