British American Tobacco to End Sales in Russia within a Month

THE GUARDIAN: London-based company says it has agreed to sell Russian and Belarusian businesses, 18 months after initial decision to withdraw

British American Tobacco says it will sell its last cigarette in Russia within a month, ending its presence in the world’s fourth-largest tobacco market a year and a half after it first pledged to do so in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

The London-based maker of Lucky Strike and Camel cigarettes came under fire in March last year after initially continuing to operate in Russia, breaking ranks with global brands such as Nestlé, Unilever, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s.

The decision was reversed just two days later, with the company citing its “ethos and values”.

More than 18 months after that decision, BAT, which holds 25% of the Russian market, said it had finally reached an agreement to sell its Russian and Belarusian businesses to a group led by its Moscow management team. » | Rob Davies | Thursday, September 7, 2023