Editing Imperial Brands

Imperial Tobacco Group is the fifth largest company participating in the global tobacco market and controls 3.7 percent of the international cigarette market. <ref> Euromonitor International [database on the Internet]. Cigarettes. Euromonitor International; c 2018. </ref> Imperial operates in more than 160 markets, and key growth markets are in Italy, Russia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

<ref name="AR2017"> Imperial Brands, [https://web.archive.org/save/http://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/About-us.html About Us], 2018, pp. 91-147, Accessed 13 July 2020</ref>  Top brands include West, Davidoff, John Player Special, and Gauloises. <ref> Euromonitor International [database on the Internet]. Cigarettes. Euromonitor International; c 2018. </ref>  In 2016, Imperial Tobacco was the world’s fifth-largest international cigarette company based on market share.  

<ref name="IB_Statista">Statista, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.statista.com/topics/3221/imperial-brands-plc/ Imperial Brands Statistics & Facts], Accessed 16 September 2018 </ref>   

 

===Key Executives===

Yahoo revealed the company pays its new (2021) male chief executive a bigger salary than his female predecessor. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cigarette-giant-imperial-brands-lights-141000264.htmlCigarette giant Imperial Brands lights up fresh investor pay row], ''Yahoo'', 28 January 2021, Accessed 25 February 2021 </ref> Imperial Brands has decided to cut Chief Executive Officer Stefan Bomhard’s performance-linked pay after shareholders expressed concerns over his remuneration package. The company said Bomhard, who joined as CEO in July last year, and the remuneration committee have agreed that the face value of his 2021 long term incentive plan award will be cut to 315 from 350 percent of his salary. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.reuters.com/article/imperial-brands-pay/cigarette-maker-imperial-cuts-ceos-pay-package-after-investor-concerns-idUSL4N2KO3G1 Cigarette maker Imperial cuts CEO's pay package after investor concerns], ''Reuters'', 18 February 2021, Accessed 25 February 2021 </ref>

|Paola Pocci

|President, Africa, Asia and Australasia Region

|Paola joined Imperial in September 2021. Paola has extensive experience in brand building and in general and P&L management. In her 22 years at Procter & Gamble, she held several leadership positions across developed and developing territories, including Europe, the Middle East, the US and China, and across multiple FMCG categories. Paola has a strong understanding of geographically diverse consumers and of operations management across traditional and modern retail, including e-commerce. Prior to joining Imperial she was Senior Vice President / General Manager, Personal Beauty Care Portfolio, Greater China for P&G.{{r|IB_WEB_LEADERSHIP}}

|Kim joined the Executive Leadership Team in September 2021 and has led the US business ITG Brands since June 2021. Kim has a wealth of experience in the consumer goods sector and a successful track record of more than 30 years in sales and executive leadership roles. She joined the US business as Executive Vice President, Sales, in 2019 and designed and oversaw a comprehensive sales transformation strategy. Prior to joining ITG Brands Kim held various positions at the Kellogg Company, culminating in the role of General Manager of US Sales. She also served in multiple leadership roles during her 17 years at the Pepsi Bottling Group.{{r|IB_WEB_LEADERSHIP}}

In January 2019, Morgan Lee was appointed as the group’s market manager for Ireland. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.checkout.ie/imperial-tobacco-john-player-announce-new-market-manager-ireland/69227 Imperial Tobacco John Player Announce New Market Manager For Ireland], ''Checkout'', 2 January 2019, Accessed 21 January 2019 </ref>

====Incorporated Subsidiaries====

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In Lao, the government owns 47 percent of the Lao Tobacco Company. The remaining 53 percent is owned by Imperial Tobacco Group.  <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.smokefreeworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Contradictions-and-Conflicts-FINAL-V2.pdf CONTRADICTIONS AND CONFLICTS], Smoke-Free World website, p.9, September 2020, Accessed 5 October 2020 </ref>

===COVID-19 Response===

 

In 2019, tobacco net revenue was up 1.1 percent, while total adjusted operating profit declined 2.4 per cent. <ref name="IMP_2020">Imperial Brands website, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/content/dam/imperial-brands/corporate/investors/shareholder-centre/AGM/2020/AGM%202020%20script.pdfAGM 2020 script], p. 3, 6 February 2020, Accessed 11 February 2020 </ref>

===Profits===

! style="text-align: center;" | 2019 <ref name="IMP_2019">Imperial Brands Plc website, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/media/key-announcements/2019/preliminary-results-for-the-year-ended-30-september-2019.html Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2019], 5 November 2019, Accessed 20 November 2019 </ref>

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| Nerudia acquired by Imperial Brands <ref name="IB_Crunchbase"> Crunchbase, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.crunchbase.com/search/acquisitions/field/organizations/num_acquisitions/imperial-tobacco List of Imperial Brands's 5 acquisitions, including Nerudia and Barjan - Mistic Electronic Cigarettes Brand], Accessed 30 September 2018 </ref>

| Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC <ref name="IB_MarketScreener"> Market Screener, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.marketscreener.com/IMPERIAL-BRANDS-9590191/company/ Imperial Brands], Accessed 31 October 2018 </ref>

Imperial Brands has recently invested in a cannabis-focused biotech company that is researching how compounds in cannabis can be turned into medicine. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/big-tobacco-pot-weed-cannabis-industry-727407/ Big Tobacco Is Already Eyeing Pot], ''The Rolling Stone'', September 2018, Accessed 28 October 2018</ref> Imperial Brands signed a CAD 123-million investment deal with Auxly Cannabis Group that includes a research and development partnership. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/auxly-cannabis-deal-with-tobacco-giant-imperial-brands-1.5224955 Auxly cannabis deal with tobacco giant imperial brands], ''CBC'', 25 July 2019, Accessed 9 August 2019 </ref> Auxly Cannabis Group announced the closing of a transaction with Imperial Tobacco Group plc in September. Imperial Brands invested CAD 123 million in Auxly. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/09/14495594/tobacco-company-imperial-brands-auxly-cannabis-close-on-partnership-92-8m-investment Tobacco Company Imperial Brands, Auxly Cannabis Close On Partnership] ''Benzinga'', 26 September 2019, Accessed 9 October 2019</ref>

Tobacco companies have received more than GBP 45 million investment from the United Kingdom's Lincolnshire County Council’s pension fund. The current investment (as of January 2019) for Imperial Brands sits at GBP 4.6 million. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/county-council-invests-45-million-of-its-pension-fund-in-tobacco-companies-9058351/ Lincolnshire County Council invests £45 million from pension fund in tobacco companies], ''Grantham Reporter'', January 5, 2019, Accessed 18 January 2019 </ref>

In 2017, Imperial Tobacco grew market share in Russia {{r|AR2017|p=17}} and Poland {{r|AR2017|p=18}}.

Growth or Emerging Markets are mainly large profit or volume pools where Imperial Market typically have market shares below 15 percent and where the total tobacco approach provides many opportunities for share and profit growth both now and in the future.{{r|AR2017|p=91}}

Growth Markets include: Iraq, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan (also includes premium cigar and Fontem Ventures){{r|AR2017|p=91}}

In January 2020, Imperial Tobacco announced a proposal to close its cigarette manufacturing facility in Petone, New Zealand. The potential closure follows a review of Imperial Tobacco’s global manufacturing footprint and reflects decreasing production volumes which have led to significant overcapacity. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2001/S00059/imperial-tobacco-plans-petone-factory-closure.htm Imperial Tobacco plans Petone Factory closure], ''Scoop'', 21 January 2020, Accessed 19 February 2020 </ref>  

Imperial Brands completed USD 1.44 Billion sale of Premium cigar business. The deal includes half of Cuba’s Habanos S.A., Tabacalera USA, Casa de Montecristo, JR Cigar, the world’s largest cigar factory and some of the world’s most famous cigar brands, including Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/imperial-completes-1-44-billion-sale-of-premium-cigar-business?utm_campaign=ca_cigarwatch_102920&utm_source=ca_cigarwatch_102920&utm_medium=email&utm_content=76af62246668b614a6473c7b9fa19141 Imperial Completes $1.44 Billion Sale Of Premium Cigar Business], ''Cigar Aficionado'', 29 October 2020, Accessed 19 November 2020 </ref>

Imperial Brands set an April launch date for JPS Players Easy Rolling Tobacco in the United Kingdom, a new line of roll-your-own tobacco. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.betterretailing.com/products/tobacco/imperial-tobacco-to-launch-new-jps-players-easy-rolling-tobacco-in-april/ Imperial Tobacco to launch JPS Players Easy Rolling Tobacco], ''Better Retailing'', 22 March 2021, Accessed 21 April 2021</ref>

'''Growth Brands''' <ref name="IB_Brands">Imperial Brands Plc, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/About-us/Brand-portfolio.html Brand Portfolio], Accessed 18 September 2018</REF>

In January 2020, Imperial Tobacco launched Rizla Flavour Infusions, ahead of the menthol ban next year. The range includes two flavours – Menthol Chill and Fresh Mint  – which are packed and wrapped separately so retailers can sell them individually at 25p each. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.talkingretail.com/products-news/tobacco/imperial-tobacco-adds-menthol-accessories-portfolio-16-12-2019/ Imperial Tobacco adds menthol accessories to portfolio], ''Talking Retail'', 16 December 2019, Accessed 24 January 2020 </ref>

In 2019, overall net revenue of Imperial's 'Next Generation Products' business grew by 48 percent, led by the growth of vapour brand blu in Europe and Japan. Fontem Ventures has plans to make its e-cigarette blu available to  smokers in China. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3039423/online-sales-ban-hits-chinas-vaping-industry-dont-expect-it Online sales ban hits China’s vaping industry – but don’t expect it to disappear with a puff of smoke], ''South China Morning Herald'', 26 November 2019, Accessed 15 December 2019</ref>  

A press release sent out on October 3 2018 by ResearchandMarkets.com noted Imperial Brands, in partnership with China National Tobacco, established a joint venture, Global Horizon Ventures Limited (GHVL) focused on long-term earnings potential and competitive position in the growing smokeless tobacco market. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181003005355/en/Snus-Worldwide-Market-Growth-Trends-Forecasts-2023 Snus: Worldwide Market Growth, Trends and Forecasts to 2023 featuring British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, V2 Tobacco, Swedish Match, Gajane, and many more - ResearchAndMarkets.com], ''Business Wire'', October 2018, Accessed 18 October 2018 </ref>

Fontem US LLC, a subsidiary of Imperial Brands Plc, submitted a premarket tobacco application with the U.S. FDA for several styles of its myblu products. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.journalnow.com/business/blu-ecigs-manufacturer-enters-fda-gauntlet-for-regulatory-approval/article_9fc2a8f2-44a2-5cfb-a5bd-65cca65530a9.html Blu eCigs manufacturer enters FDA gauntlet for regulatory approval], ''Journal Now'', 4 May 2020, Accessed 19 May 2020</ref> In Summer 2018, Imperial launched a product called myblu, in reaction Juul's entry into the US market. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-imperial-brands-strategy/imperial-brands-eyes-2-billion-boost-from-vaping-products-idUSKCN1M50ZP Imperial Brands eyes $2 billion boost from vaping products], ''Reuters'', September 2018, Accessed 16 October 2018 </ref> Imperial launched the myblu vaping devices into travel retail earlier in 2019 in partnership with Beirut Duty Free and is now planning to roll them out to other regions <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.dfnionline.com/latest-news/imperial-brands-showcase-tobacco-ngp-portfolio-tfwa-20-09-2019/ Imperial Brands to showcase tobacco and NGP portfolio at TFWA], ''DFNI online'', 20 September 2019, Accessed 10 October 2019 </ref>  

A 2014 report by [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england Public Health England] revealed that Imperial-owned cigarettes are sold in Lloyds and Boots pharmacies around the United Kingdom. This is against the advice of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. In 2014, Lloyds Pharmacy began selling Vype and Boots pharmacies began selling Puritane, the e-cigarette brand owned by Imperial tobacco’s subsidiary Fontem. <ref> Public Health England, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/311491/Ecigarette_uptake_and_marketing.pdf E-cigarette uptake and marketing A report commissioned by Public Health England], May 2014, Accessed 19 October 2018 </ref> In an investor presentation delivered in March, British American Tobacco said nearly 100,000 Vype devices were sold in Canada in 10 months. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-vaping-advertising-marketing-investigation/ How the vaping industry is targeting teens – and getting away with it], ''The Globe and Mail'', 16 November 2019, Accessed 26 November 2019 </ref>

| 265.2 {{r|AR2017|p=15}}

| 159.6 {{r|AR2017|p=8}}

===Marketing to Kids===

A 2018 Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids investigation into over 100 social media campaigns by [[Philip Morris International]], [[British American Tobacco]], [[Japan Tobacco International]] and Imperial Brands revealed tobacco companies pay social media influencers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to advertise their products. <ref>Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press-releases/2018_08_27_ftc PRESS RELEASE New Investigation Exposes How Tobacco Companies Market Cigarettes on Social Media in the U.S. and Around the World], August 2018, Accessed 31 October 2018 </ref>

An investigation exposing how tobacco companies market cigarettes on social media around the world revealed Imperial Tobacco products were seen near schools in 22 countries. Despite the findings a spokesman for Imperial Brands said the company ensures:

  "that our product and brand communications are not aimed at, or made appealing to, people under the age of 18 or non-smokers, and that we operate in accordance with local laws”. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/09/how-children-around-the-world-are-exposed-to-cigarette-advertisingHow children around the world are exposed to cigarette advertising], ''Guardian'', March 2018, Accessed 31 October 2018 </ref>

In the United States, investigations into Imperial Brands’ efforts to market to kids have uncovered an explosion of sweet flavored tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes and cigars. <ref name="IMP_TAKEAPART"> TakeAPart, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.takeapart.org/campaigns/marketing-to-kids/united-states/imperial-brands/ How Imperial Brands Markets Products to Kids], Accessed 31 October 2018 </ref>

Imperial Brands and its affiliated organisations use the following marketing campaigns and partnerships to promote its heated cigarettes (novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products):

*European Citizens Initiative: Let’s demand smarter vaping regulations <ref>GGTC website, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://ggtc-bucket.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021-05-27/21-59-03-008933/Cessation%20V6.pdf?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=31_May_Special_Edition_Final&utm_medium=email HOW THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY UNDERMINES CESSATION], p.4, May 2021, Accessed 12 July 2021</ref>

Imperial Tobacco Canada launched its Clear the Smoke Campaign. The company claims the goal of the campaign is to  “educate” Canadians on the facts about vapor products and “the role these products can play in reducing the risks compared to cigarettes”.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://belvaping.com/news/imperial-tobacco-canada-zapuskaet-kampaniju-po-osveshheniju-faktov-i-nauchnyh-dannyh-o-vejpinge/ Imperial Tobacco Canada запускает кампанию по освещению фактов и научных данных о вейпинге], 19 February 2022, Accessed 6 March 2022 </ref>

A 2018 investigation uncovered social media advertising campaigns from Imperial Brands reaching millions online, including in the United States. {{r|IMP_TAKEAPART|}}

In 2014, an Imperial Tobacco ad campaign promoting a free-to-download app listing smoking-friendly bars and venues was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for "normalising" and "condoning" smoking. Imperial Tobacco ran a series of poster ads under the name Smoke Spots, with no indication on the ads that the free app was provided by Imperial Tobacco. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/imperial-tobacco-ads-smoking-app-banned-asa/1321497 Imperial Tobacco ads for smoking app banned by ASA], ''Campaign Live'', November 2014, Accessed 23 October 2018 </ref>

The PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., Imperial Brands PLC, Altria Client Services, British American Tobacco (BAT) PLC, and Philip Morris International Inc have joined together to donate USD 110,000 worth of equipment that will help to replace the use of animals in respiratory testing with more human-relevant, non-animal test methods. <ref> PETA website, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/peta-international-science-group-and-tobacco-companies-donate-to-save-animals/ Media], 22 August 2019, Accessed 12 September 2019 </ref>

Imperial Tobacco was one of the sponsors of the 2018 Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference was held in November 2018under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Saad Hariri, Lebanese President of the Council of Ministers, in Beirut, Lebanon. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/more-than-400-delegates-expected-at-meadfa-2018-in-beirut-this-november/ More than 400 delegates expected at MEADFA 2018 in Beirut this November], ''The Moodie Davitt Report'', October 2018, Accessed 31 October 2018</ref>

===Corporate Social Responsibility===

Imperial Tobacco launched a new and improved anti-illicit trade website as part of its ‘Suspect it? Report it!’ trade campaign to "tackle illegal sales of tobacco". <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.kamcity.com/namnews/uk-and-ireland/manufacturers/imperial-tobacco-to-launch-improved-anti-illicit-trade-website/ Imperial Tobacco To Launch Improved Anti-Illicit Trade Website], ''Kamcity'', 4 August 2021, Accessed 20 September 2021 </ref>

In March 2021, Imperial brands Madagascar has entered into a three-year partnership with the national government to fund the creation, operation and delivery of five large botanical parks. <ref>Imperial Brands, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210514150611/https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/sustainability/case-studies/tobacco-sustainable-supply/government-partnership-to-reforest-island.html GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP TO REFOREST ISLAND], 16 March 2021, Accessed 14 May 2021 </ref>

In May 2014, Guardian reported Imperial Tobacco Group was amongst the companies purchasing tobacco grown in the United States. According to Guardian, these companies current approaches 'did not sufficiently protect children from hazardous work and some companies allow for lower standards of protection for children in their US supply chain than for children working on tobacco farms in other countries'.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/14/tobacco-farm-child-labor-laws Cigarette makers can't market to kids. Why do tobacco farms employ them?], ''Guardian'', May 2014, Accessed 27 September 2018 </ref>

Imperial is a board member of the Eliminating Child Labour in Tobacco Growing Foundation (ECLT). <ref name="IMP_ILO">  ILO, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_norm/---relconf/documents/meetingdocument/wcms_545944.pdf ILO cooperation with the tobacco industry in the pursuit of the Organization’s social mandate], November 2017, p. 3, Accessed 30 September 2018 </ref> A report published in April 2018 by Human Rights Watch said there was widespread child labour in tobacco farms in Zimbabwe, where multinationals including Imperial buy tobacco. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/25/tobacco-companies-child-labour-pressure Tobacco: activist investors pressure £20bn companies over child labour], ''Guardian'', June 2018, Accessed 19 October 2018</ref> The ECLT Board members include: International Tobacco Growers Association; Alliance One International; Altria Client Services; [[British American Tobacco]]; Contrax-Nicotex Tobacco; Hail & Cotton; Imperial Tobacco Group; [[Japan Tobacco International]]; [[Philip Morris International]]; Premium Tobacco; Scandinavian Tobacco Group; Sunel Ticaret Turk; Swedish Match; and Universal Leaf Tobacco. {{r|IMP_ILO|}} The partnership has been ongoing since 2002 and seeks to eliminate child labour and promote workers’ rights in tobacco-growing communities in Brazil, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/international-geneva_should-the-ilo-maintain-financial-ties-to-the-tobacco-industry-/44506474 Should the ILO maintain financial ties to the tobacco industry?], ''Swiss Info'', October 2018, Accessed 24 September 2018 </REF>

In 2015, Imperial Tobacco contributed GBP 57,000 to help tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. <ref> Tobacco Reporter, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.tobaccoreporter.com/2015/01/imperial-provides-more-funds-to-help-fight-ebola/ Imperial provides more funds to help fight Ebola], 6 January 2015, Accessed 23 December 2018 </ref>

In 2014, Imperial Tobacco Poland was presented with an award from the country's Business Centre Club, recognizing the significant contribution it makes to the nation’s economy. <ref> Tobacco Reporter, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.tobaccoreporter.com/2014/10/poland-recognizes-imperials-contribution/ Poland recognizes Imperial’s contribution], 30 October 2014, Accessed 30 December 2018 </ref>

| Democrats <ref name="IB_OpenSecrets">  Open Secrets, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/totals.php?id=D000043289&cycle=2016 Imperial Tobacco Group], Accessed 27 October 2018 </ref>

In August 2019 a US House of Representatives committee asked e-cigarette manufacturers to hand over details about the health impacts of products. The energy and commerce committee wrote to Fontem Ventures, a subsidiary of [[Imperial Brands]], Reynolds American, the US business of [[British American Tobacco]], [[Japan Tobacco International]] and Juul. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/business/e-cigarette-brands-quizzed-by-house-of-representatives-over-risk-to-young-smokers-56d62hdgf E-cigarette brands quizzed by House of Representatives over risk to smokers], ''The Times'', 23 August 2019, Accessed 12 September 2019 </ref>

According to Imperial's 2017 annual report, no tobacco litigation claim brought against the Imperial Group has been successful and/or resulted in the recovery of damages.{{r|AR2017|p=27}}  

In February 2018, Dutch prosecutors rejected an attempted murder case brought against the world's largest tobacco companies, including [[Philip Morris International]], [[British American Tobacco]], [[Japan Tobacco International]] and Imperial Tobacco by mother with lung cancer. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/smoking-netherlands-attempted-murder-case-philip-morris-british-american-tobacco-benedicte-ficq-lung-a8223381.html Dutch prosecutors reject attempted murder case brought against tobacco giants by mother with lung cancer], ''The Independent'', February 2018, Accessed 31 October 2018 </ref>  

| Imperial Tobacco is currently facing two claims in Italy. The first is against Logista, which is the subject of a challenge on grounds of jurisdiction and the admission of evidence. This challenge was heard in 2006 but judgment is still awaited. The second claim has been brought in the Court of Messina against Imperial Tobacco Italia and Reemtsma by two individuals claiming EUR800,000 in total. We have denied liability. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}   

Société Marocaine des Tabacs. The total amount of compensation sought was not specified. On 9 February 2016, the Casablanca Court found in favour of SMT and dismissed the claim. No appeal has been filed. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}  

| Imperial Tobacco subsidiary, Société Nationale d’Exploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes SAS (SEITA), has been notified of a claim filed in the Court of Buenos Aires against Nobleza Piccardo by an individual smoker. Nobleza Piccardo has denied liability. Nobleza Piccardo manufactures and distributes two brands of cigarettes owned by SEITA in Argentina under the terms of a Licence Agreement. Nobleza Piccardo has sought to invoke an indemnity contained in the Licence Agreement, pursuant to which SEITA is responsible for any product liability to third parties. The amount claimed is ARS 8,980,200. The claim is currently in the evidence production period, during which all expert and witness evidence will be produced. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}  

| In August 2016, a claim was filed in the Russian Court against 18 tobacco companies including JSC Imperial Tobacco Yaroslavl by an individual claiming RUB 523,480,297 and other amounts related to the profits of the defendants. Imperial was notified of the claim by the Russian Court in February 2017. The claim was dismissed in full at a hearing in April 2017. The claimant appealed the decision. The appeal was heard on 18 July 2017 by Moscow Court’s Judicial Panel for Civil Cases. The appeal was dismissed in full and the claimant has until 18 January 2018 to appeal the decision. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}  

| Reports in the public media indicate that a complaint has been lodged with the Public Prosecutor in the Netherlands directed at the four major tobacco manufacturers, including Imperial Tobacco Benelux. Neither Imperial Tobacco Benelux nor any of its employees has been charged by the Public Prosecutor in the Netherlands, but we are monitoring developments. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}  

Regional Court in Poznań by an individual claiming PLN 1,000,000 by way of compensation for alleged smoking related health effects. Imperial Polska has not yet filed a Statement of Defence but it intends to deny liability. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}  

| A number of smoking and health-related claims have been brought against Imperial Tobacco Group Brands in the state courts. Imperial Tobacco Group Brands has the benefit of an indemnity from another manufacturer in respect of each of these claims. As a result, ITG Brands either has been dismissed, or is expected to be dismissed, without prejudice from each of the claims.{{r|AR2017|p=50}}

|Imperial Tobacco is currently defending one e-vapour-related claim in the USA. This is a consolidation of two purported class actions (Diek and Whitney) seeking to recover unquantified damages, including punitive damages. A claim that had been brought by the Center for Environmental Health alleging violations of the California Safe Drinking and Toxic Enforcement Act ended. {{r|AR2017|p=50}}

In 2015, tobacco companies including [[Philip Morris International]], [[British American Tobacco]], [[Japan Tobacco International]] and Imperial Tobacco Group took the British government to court, arguing that the UK’s “plain packaging” law, unlawfully takes away its intellectual property. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uk-tobacco-idUSKBN0TT1H820151210#QIEUq9UE2w3FzHLv.99 Big Tobacco takes UK government to court over plain packaging], ''Reuters'', 10 December 2015, Accessed 18 December 2018 </ref>

Imperial Brands (majority share owner of Lao Tobacco Company) and Lao-China Hongta Good Luck Company Ltd., violated the law by not printing pictorial health warnings on their cigarette packs. These two companies control over 80 percent of the cigarette market in Lao PDR. <ref> Tobacco Watch, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://tobaccowatch.seatca.org/index.php/2018/02/11/lao-tobacco-companies-disregard-tobacco-control-law/ Lao: Tobacco Companies Disregard Tobacco Control Law], 10 February 2018, Accessed 5 December 2018 </ref>

Imperial Tobacco Canada and JTI Canada Tech, together with Juul Labs Canada have launched the Vaping Industry Trade Association (VITA) with the intention of fighting against proposed government regulations to tighten cigarette regulations amidst the ever increasing number of “vape-related” lung disease cases in the United States. VITA was officially launched in November 2019, and president Daniel David said that the aim is ensuring that regulations aimed at preventing youth access, do not come in the way of adults smokers being able to make use of the devices. <ref>Vaping Post website, [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.vapingpost.com/2019/12/03/canada-three-tobacco-companies-launch-vaping-trade-association/ Canada: Three Tobacco Companies Launch Vaping Trade Association], 3 December 2019, Accessed 24 January 2020</ref>

In 2017, Fontem Ventures, affiliated with Imperial Tobacco used the services of Aspect Consulting for lobbying in Brussels <ref>Transparency Register website, Aspect Consulting, Accessed 17 October 2018 </ref>.

====Laos====

Imperial Tobacco has been accused of allowing a trade in cheap cigarettes in Laos through a special deal with the country's government. A tax agreement between the company and state-owned Laos Tobacco means cigarettes can cost as little as 25 pence per packet. The University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group claimed it is encouraging children to start smoking. Imperial said it abides by all international tax obligations. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-60663251 Imperial Tobacco accused of cheap Laos product deal], ''BBC'', 9 March 2022, Accessed 28 March 2022 </ref>

====Russia====

Imperial Brands transferred its business in Russia to local investors and will write off the value of the tobacco assets in the country. The maker of Gauloises cigarettes said the operations include a sales and marketing business and a factory in Volgograd, in a statement Wednesday. Imperial has about 1,000 employees in Russia and will take a 225 million pound (USD 294 million) write-off following the transfer. <ref> [https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-20/imperial-brands-transfers-russia-business-to-local-investors Imperial Brands Takes $294 Million Hit Transferring Russia Arm], ''Bloomberg'', 20 April 2022, Accessed 26 April 2022 </ref>

====United States====

Regulators in the United States banned Imperial Brands’ myblu vaping device after a review found there was a "lack of evidence they would protect public health". The Food and Drug Administration issued marketing denial orders for several myblu electronic nicotine delivery products. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fda-bans-imperial-brands-myblu-vapes-mm9xhh6lm FDA bans Imperial Brands’ myblu vapes], ''The Times'', 13 April 2022, Accessed 26 April 2022</ref>

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