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.

Leisure group Hilton said today the London bombings had most affected confidence among its UK customers, but failed to deter foreign visitors.

Drinks giant Allied Domecq was today reported to be a takeover target of the French owner of Jameson whiskey, Chivas Regal whiskey and Jacob’s Creek wines.

More than £34bn was wiped off the FTSE 100 Index in the first half-hour of trading.

A strong performance from Imperial Tobacco's international sales is expected when the company announces interim results next week.

The impact of fuel costs and the slowing US economy should overshadow British Airways' assessment of the last nine months of 2000.