ROTHMANS workers last night attacked tobacco giant BAT over a huge deal to buy into the Italian cigarette market.

BAT announced it was buying ETI, Italy's state-owned tobacco company, for £1.6bn.

The announcement comes in the middle of continuing talks between unions and bosses over 490 job losses at BAT's Darlington's Rothmans plant.

Last night, the company was criticised for the timing of the "insensitive" announcement amid continuing anger over the closure.

Gerry Hunter, regional organiser with Amicus, said: "The company is marching on when they are marching out of Darlington.

"It is cold comfort for those who are losing their jobs to hear this news. The people of Darlington have been treated with disdain."

A senior shop steward at the plant, who did not wish to be named, said: "An already extremely unhappy workforce has been made even unhappier.

"To see BAT spreading their wings into Italy is a bit of a kick in the teeth."

The deal will give BAT an important foothold in Italy, the second largest tobacco market in the European Union.

Chairman Martin Broughton said: "This strategically important investment will transform our presence in one of Europe's largest tobacco markets."

The BAT plant is due to close late next year with production being switched to Southampton.

Spokesman Tom Roberts said: "We recognise this is a very difficult time for Rothmans employees but our purchase of ETI and the proposal to cease production at Darlington are separate issues.

"Our UK business does not have enough demand to keep two factories viable and we have to consolidate to keep competitive in global markets."