Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 Irn-Bru maker AG Barr buys two rival brands in £50m deal

The company said the two brands reflect the consumer's switch from alcoholic beverages to "adult soft drinks".

* AG Barr has acquired Fentimans and Frobishers, two rival soft drinks brands, in deals worth over £50m.
* The acquisition of Fentimans was made for around £38m through a combination of cash and debt.
* The company also bought Devon-based juice business Frobishers for £13m.
* AG Barr reported a "strong" financial year with increases in sales and profitability, with annual revenues rising to around £437m (a 4% increase on the previous year).
* The acquisitions are part of the company's strategy to capitalize on the growth of upmarket non-alcoholic alternatives amid falling alcohol sales.
* Fentimans and Frobishers operate in the adult soft drinks market, which is benefitting from consumer trends of reduced alcohol consumption.
* AG Barr's core brands, including Irn-Bru, Rubicon, and Boost, reported a good performance, with Irn-Bru showing "modest growth" in the final six months of the year.
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