ITC has announced that the company issued and allotted 7.22 million ordinary shares of Rs 1 each, upon exercise of 7,22,496 options by optionees under the company’s Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOS).

Consequently, with effect from Mar. 20, 2014, the issued and subscribed share capital of the company stands increased to Rs 7.95 billion divided into 7.95 billion ordinary shares of Rs 1 each.

Shares of the company gained Rs 1.75, or 0.49%, to settle at Rs 357.65. The total volume of shares traded was 217,746 at the BSE (Friday).