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

Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao: In the Post-“Absolute Resolve” Era: Speculating on U.S.-Referenced Regulatory Alignment and the Restructuring of Order in South America’s Novel Tobacco Market
Alan Zhao analyzes post-Operation Absolute Resolve geopolitics and the rise of “U.S.-referenced regulatory alignment” in South America’s novel tobacco market as U.S. influence grows. Using regulatory reliance, digitalized enforcement, and industrial shifts, he assesses how rule redesign may alter market access, competition, and supply chains, asking how firms can find durable certainty as order is rewritten.
Jan.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Authorities in Astana’s Baikonur District have intensified enforcement against illegal smokeless tobacco and related products in 2025. Police conducted 59 inspection raids, identifying 63 cases of illegal sales of smokeless tobacco (nasvay). Total fines imposed reached KZT 3,096,450(approximately USD 5,880). Officials said inspections and preventive outreach will continue.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British Museum Ends Long-Running Sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International
British Museum Ends Long-Running Sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International
According to The Guardian, the British Museum has ended its 15-year sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International after government inquiries into whether the deal breached WHO tobacco-control rules. Critics had long opposed the partnership, while the museum said sponsorship remains essential for its financial stability and public access.
Nov.20
Belgium Plans to Ban All Vape Flavours Except Tobacco, Backed by Health Council
Belgium Plans to Ban All Vape Flavours Except Tobacco, Backed by Health Council
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has announced plans to ban all e-cigarette flavours except tobacco, following new advice from the Superior Health Council (CSS). The move marks a major policy shift, as the Council now fully supports flavour restrictions to curb youth vaping.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul Labs UK launches JUUL2 Peach flavour aimed at adult smokers
Juul Labs UK launches JUUL2 Peach flavour aimed at adult smokers
Juul Labs UK announced on January 1, 2026 the launch of a new JUUL2 Peach flavour, described as an adult-oriented addition that expands the JUUL2 flavour portfolio. The company said the flavour will roll out across the UK from January 1 through major retailers, wholesalers and convenience stores, offering adult smokers alternatives to transition away from cigarettes.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | INNOKIN Launches Magnetic Open-System Device, Pod + Power Bank Design Debuts in UK and US Channels
Product | INNOKIN Launches Magnetic Open-System Device, Pod + Power Bank Design Debuts in UK and US Channels
INNOKIN has recently launched its new open-system e-cigarette, EZ LEVA, on its official website, and it is now available through online channels in the UK and the United States. Featuring a magnetic design, the device adopts a pod + power bank form factor. Its 400mAh (device) + 2000mAh (charging case) battery setup follows a similar configuration logic to comparable products such as the SMOK Airmate and KIWI 2.
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai