After British American Tobacco PLC reported higher quarterly international cigarette sales volume on flat profits, some European analysts were speculating yesterday that the world’s second-largest tobacco company might be thinking about making a bid for struggling competitor R.J. Reynolds. Some analysts said BAT should seize on that opportunity to buy struggling RJR to bolster its size and competitive leverage in the U.S. market. Spokesman Prideaux said BAT won’t rule out any possible acquisition, as long as it makes financial and strategic sense. He wouldn’t comment on the specific issue of RJR.( Courier-Journal )(4-30-2003)
