Imperial Tobacco CEO and CFO Interviewed on 2014 Preliminary Results

LONDON, November 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

In a video interview, Imperial Tobacco CEO Alison Cooper discusses the performance of the business for 2014. She reflects on the work that has been done across the group's Growth Brands and discusses some of the key markets in which it operates.

Looking ahead with confidence, Cooper says: "We're going into 2015 a stronger business, but we have a very similar list of priorities for '15. It's about the brand, building on the brand work we did in 2014; more migrations, more organic growth, more on equity building. But also now our e-vapour business as well, which we'll be adding to with the US acquisition during the year - some big opportunities there for Imperial going forward too."

In an accompanying interview Oliver Tant, CFO, explains how net debt has been reduced by £1bn during the year. Commenting on another 10% increase in the dividend he reiterates the group's thinking about shareholder returns: "We're very committed to delivering sustainable shareholder returns. That means consistent, strong dividend growth. We're committed to delivering dividend growth ahead of our EPS and greater than 10% on an annual basis."

The interview and transcript are available now on http://video.merchantcantos.com/ .

MerchantCantos produces in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email prnsupport@merchantcantos.com or phone +44-207-936-1352.