ITMS Group: Former BAT Subsidiary Renamed in Russia

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.09.2024
ITMS Group: Former BAT Subsidiary Renamed in Russia
Tobacco production company BAT-SPb in St. Petersburg changes name to ITMS as British American Tobacco plans to exit Russian market.

According to a report on January 9 by the Russian media outlet ABnews, the tobacco manufacturing company "British American Tobacco - Saint Petersburg" (BAT-SPb) has announced a change in its name to "ITMS".

 

The factory, formerly owned by British American Tobacco, is planning to exit the Russian market this year.

 

In March of this year, British American Tobacco (BAT) publicly announced that its operations in Russia were facing difficulties and it intended to sell its business there. The business in Russia and Belarus will be acquired by a consortium led by the management team of "BAT Russia". Following the completion of the transaction, the company will be officially renamed as "ITMS Group".

 

British American Tobacco (BAT) has been operating in Russia since 1991 and established its own tobacco production line in St. Petersburg three years later. The factory produces several well-known brands, including Kent, Vogue, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, "Java," and the GLO tobacco heating system. It is worth noting that as foreign founders depart from Russia, these trademarks will be fully owned by the Russian business.

 

This series of changes signifies a structural adjustment in the tobacco industry, with ITMS Group committing to further focus on the Russian market and becoming a significant player in this field.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Multiple E-Cigarette Companies Donate to Support Hong Kong Tai Po Fire Relief (List Updating)
Multiple E-Cigarette Companies Donate to Support Hong Kong Tai Po Fire Relief (List Updating)
Following the fire at Hong Kong’s Tai Po Kwong Fuk Estate, several e-cigarette companies have announced donations for relief and recovery. Current contributions include SMOORE (HKD 5 million), ZINWI Bio (RMB 200,000), Heaven Gifts & GEEKVAPE (HKD 3 million), ALD (RMB 1 million), and OXVA (HKD 500,000). The list is being updated.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets
Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets
UK council data shows that two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2025, with a total of 1.2 million illicit vapes removed from high streets. Over the past year, authorities also seized millions of illegal cigarettes and other nicotine products. Consumer surveys indicate that more than half of UK vapers believe they have unknowingly purchased illegal vaping products.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU to consider Denmark's proposal for stricter tobacco tax reforms. Heating tobacco tax could increase by 132%, nicotine pouch tax by up to 1000%. 92% opposed to overall tax hike in public consultation. Concerns raised over taxing innovative smoke-free pr
EU to consider Denmark's proposal for stricter tobacco tax reforms. Heating tobacco tax could increase by 132%, nicotine pouch tax by up to 1000%. 92% opposed to overall tax hike in public consultation. Concerns raised over taxing innovative smoke-free pr
EU to debate Denmark's proposal to increase tobacco taxes, including a 132% hike for heated tobacco and 1000% for nicotine pouches.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine BIR Will Destroys Nearly 450,000 Illicit Vape Products Over Unpaid Taxes
Philippine BIR Will Destroys Nearly 450,000 Illicit Vape Products Over Unpaid Taxes
The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue has led a nationwide destruction of illicit vape products, citing unpaid excise taxes and penalties amounting to 1.34 billion pesos(approximately US$22 million). Nearly 450,000 units are scheduled for destruction over three days across multiple revenue regions. The seized products violated excise tax laws due to non-payment of taxes, lack of internal revenue stamps, and non-registration of vape brands.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s E-Cigarette Exports USD 1.096 billion in November, UK and South Korea Offset U.S. Decline
China’s e-cigarette exports edged lower in November 2025, totaling USD 1.096 billion, down 0.2% month-on-month, as a decline in shipments to the United States was partially offset by stronger demand from the United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report| Vuse Gains as U.S. Cracks Down on Illegal Vapes, But a $590 Million China Export Shadow Looms
Special Report| Vuse Gains as U.S. Cracks Down on Illegal Vapes, But a $590 Million China Export Shadow Looms
The payoff is here: BAT’s Vuse has seized a rare regulatory vacuum to reverse its U.S. slide, capitalizing on a crackdown that seemingly compressed the illicit market to 54%. But the victory is fragile. A record $590 million export shock in October signals the gray market is striking back—pitting a fleeting compliance dividend against a massive inventory wall.
BAT
Dec.09