Imperial Tobacco Group reported a small decline in nine-month revenue on Aug. 18 and said it was on course to complete its acquisition of a pack of U.S. cigarette brands from Reynolds American and Lorillard, according to CBS News.
Imperial, maker of JPS and Gauloises, said sales fell 1 percent to GBP4.75 billion ($7.95 billion) in the nine months to June 30. It said its guidance of “modest” growth in adjusted earnings per share remained unchanged.
Added to its existing portfolio, the new brands would make Imperial the third-largest player in the U.S. tobacco market–if the deal is successful. Imperial said it expected to complete the transaction in 2015, without providing more specific details.
“I’m pleased with the continued improvement in the quality of our sales growth,” said Chief Executive Alison Cooper.