British American Tobacco posted an 8% rise in half-year profits today just two weeks after proposing to close a historic cigarette factory because the costs were too high.
The group said profits of £1.21bn (€1.75m) before exceptional items were boosted by a 6% rise in volumes of its four biggest global brands – Dunhill, Kent, Pall Mall and Lucky Strike.
Details emerged as the company continues to consult with workers in Southampton in England over the closure of its 92-year-old cigarette plant there within the next 18-24 months.