UK-based AG Barr has bought the compatriot soft drinks brands Fentimans and Frobishers in two deals worth a combined GPB51m (US$69.81m).
The Irn-Bru brand owner has paid GBP38m for tonic and mixers maker Fentimans in a deal that closed on Monday (2 February). AG Barr also acquired fruit juice manufacturer Frobishers “towards the end” of its financial year, which runs to the end of January, for GBP13m.
“Both brands operate in the attractive adult soft drinks market, which is benefiting from the consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption,” said group CEO Euan Sutherland. “These acquisitions reflect the execution of further meaningful and targeted M&A to elevate growth through broadening the brand portfolio while providing opportunities for cost synergies.”
AG Barr announced the M&A news alongside a trading update for its fiscal 2026. In the 12 months to the end of January, the Funkin cocktail syrup maker saw sales increase by 4% to GBP437m.
In its last reported results, to the end of December 2024, Fentimans posted sales of GBP39.6m, a GBP3.3m decline on 2023.
Elsewhere in M&A activity this week, Viña Concha y Toro announced its first play in Europe on Wednesday (3 February) with the purchase of a controlling stake in Provence rosé producer Maison Mirabeau.
