11/1/1999

BAT and Rothmans to merge

BAT and Rothmans have announced plans to merge. The deal is expected to save $250m a year by year 3. The merger could severely affect the sponsorship of the Williams team, which is sponsored by Rothmans-brand Winfield. BAT would be expected to put its resources into its own BAR concern. The merger could explain Williams' delay in announcing the full 1999 sponsor package.

-- Stephen M Baines