Imperial Brands suspending business in Russia, factory operations, too

(technical repeat)

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - Imperial Brands has suspended business in Russia, the tobacco manufacturer said in a statement.

"Owing to the recent events, we have suspended all operations in Russia as of today. This decision includes the halt of production at our plant in Volgograd and the cessation of sales and marketing activities," the company said in the statement.

Imperial Brands has also promised to support employees in Russia by continuing to pay their salaries during the suspension of business.

Imperial Brands had previously suspended operations in Ukraine in order to ensure the "safety and well-being" of its 600 employees in the country.

Russia and Ukraine are relatively small markets for the group, accounting for around 2% of revenue and 0.5% of adjusted operating income in 2021, the company noted.

British concern Imperial Brands Plc, which includes Imperial Tobacco, produces cigarettes under the brand names Davidoff, Gauloises, JPS, Fine, and West.