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

PERNOD Ricard SA, the world’s third-largest liquor maker made operating profits of €742m in 2004, mainly from its wine and spirits division.

Bank of Ireland has announced the appointment of Richard Burrows as governor-designate. He will take over the job of governor from Laurence Crowley in July.

Bacardi Ltd, the world’s biggest rum maker, asked a Washington court to give it the right to sell Havana Club rum in the US, the latest step in a decade-long battle with the Cuban government and Pernod Ricard SA for control of the brand.

MILLIONS of euro in tax and duty are being lost to the Exchequer as shoppers head to Northern Ireland to make savings of €5 a bottle on spirits, it emerged yesterday.