#2014, Thomas (Tom) Pierre Hilbery LACHELIN

In our archive is a copy of ITL (Imperial Tobacco Limited) News dated 27th February 1986.  It includes a statement by ITL chairman, Andrew Reid "Profits up by 11% to £123.1 million and both sales and market share steadier than for many years - that was the encouraging news about Imperial Tobacco's performance in 1985.

In his statement as ITL's financial director, Tom Lachelin said "In the tobacco division over a third of 1985 sales came from brands launched nationally in the last five years, with Superkings continuing to dominate the above kingsize sector of the cigarette market.

Brewing and leisure's operating profits rose 20% to £97 million with Courage Best, John Smith's bitter and Hofmeister and Kronenbourg 1664 lager all performing well.  In the food division, whose operating prifit was 5% up at £33 million, Ross and Young's brands were particularly successful.

In the United States the Howard Johnson Company's operating profit fell by 39% to £11.1 million.  Sale of the company was completed on November 22nd, but Imperial Group has retained the Ground Round chain of over 200restaurants and Orangeroof of Canada.