Irn-Bru manufacturer AG Barr has acquired Fentimans and Frobishers Juices as the adult soft drinks sector benefits from consumers switching from alcohol.
The company is paying £38m for Fentimans, known for its botanial brewing process, and £13m for Frobishers Juices, a premium natural fruit juices and soft drinks brand.
AG Barr said the acquisitions broaden the brand portfolio and provide opportunities for cost synergies.
In a trading update it said it is entering the new financial year with “good momentum” on the back of brand innovation and investment in operations, with the integration of the new acquisitions expected to yield efficiencies from the second half of FY26/27.
It expects revenue growth of c.4% to c.£437m (FY24/25: £420m) for the year to the end of January.
The company has a strong brand activity pipeline which will include redesigns of IRN-BRU and Rubicon and further innovation launches.
Euan Sutherland, chief executive, said: “We are pleased to report a strong year that highlights delivery of our strategic priorities.
“Our top and bottom line performance for FY25/26 is in line with expectations, and importantly we have laid strong foundations for future growth.
“We enter FY26/27 with good momentum in our core brands and from the introduction of exciting new products. In-line with our strategy of enhancing our organic growth with M&A, we are delighted to announce the acquisitions of Fentimans and Frobishers.
“The synergies associated with these acquisitions are expected to drive meaningful accretion over the medium term. Underpinning all our activity is our consistent focus on efficiency, margin and growing shareholder returns.”
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