Tobacco monopoly Bulgaratabac Holding, slated for privatization, saw 2001 profit slightly increase due to a 8% growth of sales in the country, Reuters reported, quoting the Holding’s Executive Director Georgi Popov. According to him preliminary estimates show that the holding can expect better 2001 than 2000, but no figures were given. Bulgartabac’s 2000 net profit was set at BGN 11,68 M and marked an increase form 1999 BGN 5,3 M. The Holding’s revenues from domestic sales is expected to be about BGN 330 M, up from BGN 300 M in 2000. Export revenues in 2001 are expected to fall to BGN 25 M, from BGN 45 M in 2000.