Bat Brand Launch Likely In March

ITC is likely to launch at least one of the BAT brands of cigarettes next month, sources said yesterday. ITC had earlier planned to launch BATs brands which it is to produce under a historic licensing pact after the 1998-99 Budget. However, chances are that at least one of the brands will be launched in March. ITC is to manufacture State Express 555 and Benson & Hedges and market the cigarretes under its own brand portfolio. However, there is no official confirmation of the timing of the launch.