The tobacco giant British American Tobacco has bought the 41 % shares floated by the Rwandese government interests in Taba Rwanda raising the shares of BAT in the company to 70%.

The public relations officer BAT in Kampala Henry Rugamba said that the newly acquired shares of BAT in TABA Rwanda, the biggest Rwandese Tobacco Company has won them a controlling interest in the company for $ 1.5 m.

BAT originally owned 47 % of the share in the company bought from Luthmans in 1997 formally taking over all assets of Luthmans. "We have effectively taken over the company," Rugamba said.

The remaining 30 % shares are held by the Rwanda Development bank The Monitor has learnt.

"The venture is potentially good and we wont change much in the branding but new international standards will definitely be adopted," Rugamba said. "There will also be emphasis in improving and upgrading machinery, and quality production," Rugamba added.

Intore, and Impala are the cigarette brand leaders in Rwanda followed by Embassy but new brands like Benson and Hedges will be introduced on the market.

The shares were floated directly through the Managing director BAT Mike Stevens who is also on the board of directors Taba Rwanda.