British American Tobacco has bought the Samson rolling tobacco brand from rival Japan Tobacco International for an undisclosed sum.

The tobacco giant owner of the Dunhill, Royals and Lucky Strike brands is understood to have been looking to add to its roll-your-own portfolio. Its only brand in this market before the acquisition was Cutters Choice.

JTI, meanwhile, intends to focus on Benson & Hedges rolling tobacco, launched last year, Old Holborn and Amber Leaf.

The deal for Samson is set to take effect from 1 July.