British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the "Company") announces that it has commenced an irrevocable, non-discretionary programme to purchase shares on its own behalf during the period commencing on 2 July 2012 up to and including 24 July 2012. The shares repurchased will be put into treasury, rather than being cancelled. Whilst the shares are held in treasury, no dividends will be paid on them and they will have no voting rights.
The buyback programme will be managed by an independent third party, which makes its trading decisions in relation to the Company's securities independently of, and uninfluenced by, the Company.
Any acquisitions will be effected within certain pre-set parameters, and in accordance with both the Company's general authority to repurchase shares and Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules which requires that the maximum price is an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average market value of the Company's shares for the five business days immediately preceding the date on which the Company's shares are purchased.
The Company confirms that it currently has no unpublished price sensitive information.
G C W Cunnington
Deputy Secretary
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
2 July 2012
Enquiries:
British American Tobacco Press Office
Kate Matrunola/Jem Maidment +44 (0) 20 7845 2888