BAT- Rothmans merger (fwd)

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

PRESS RELEASE - World Development Movement
For immediate release
7 April 1999

TOBACCO MERGER SET TO INCREASE THIRD WORLD DEATH TOLL

The proposed merger of tobacco giants BAT and Rothmans on Thursday 8   
April will come under fierce attack from the World Development Movement   
(WDM) for creating a `leaner, meaner killing machine' to target women and   
children in developing countries.

If shareholders approve the merger at BAT's Extraordinary General   
Meeting, the new BAT company will hold 16% of the global market share,   
second only to Philip Morris with 17%.  The proposed merger is designed   
to make the company lead players in the developing country markets.  As   
Martin Broughton, BAT Chairman said when the merger was announced in   
January: `BAT is now the market leader in emerging markets.'

WDM is deeply concerned that the new company, which will retain the BAT   
name, will step up the aggressive marketing tactics used by both   
companies to hook smokers in developing countries.  The two companies   
already stand accused of hypocrisy for using marketing ploys in   
developing countries that are banned here.

In Sri Lanka, BAT's subsidiary employs glamorous young women in their   
20's to drive around in `Players Gold Leaf' cars and jeeps, handing out   
free cigarettes.
In Vietnam, children wear T-shirts with the Rothman's `Dunhill' logo and   
an ad for the World Cup in 2002.
In China, BAT sponsored the country's first rave event in 1997.  BAT's   
logo was displayed prominently on video screens.
In Malaysia, where football is the most popular national game, Rothman's   
Dunhill brand sponsors major national tournaments.

The World Health Organisation forecasts that if present trends continue,   
the result of these marketing tactics will be an increase in deaths from   
smoking related diseases in developing countries from 1 million per year   
to 7 million per year by 2030.

Emma Must, WDM's Campaigns Officer said: `The BAT/Rothmans merger will   
simply create a leaner, meaner killing machine to target women and   
children in developing countries. The impact of this merger should be   
measured in terms of human suffering not financial gain.'

`We need global action to tackle this deadly global industry.  The   
Government must commit money and resources to an International Framework   
Convention on Tobacco Control.'

For more information contact: Sue Townsend or Emma Must 0171 274 7630