Imperial Brands (IMBBY) 6-K Current report (foreign)

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

OMB APPROVAL

OMB Number: 3235-0116Expires: March 31, 2000Estimated average burden
hours per response. . . 9.90

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of October 2004

IMPERIAL TOBACCO GROUP PLC
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

Upton Road, Bristol BS99 7UJ, England
(Address of principle executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ý    Form 40-Fo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yeso    Noý

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		IMPERIAL TOBACCO GROUP PLC(Registrant)
Date    November 1, 2004	By	/s/  CHRISTOPHER DEFT      Christopher Deft Assistant Company Secretary

Attached to this 6-K is the following item:

Exhibit

        99.1        Notification of Major Interests in Shares—October 26, 2004

QuickLinks

SIGNATURES