Irn-Bru brand buys North East company in massive £36m deal
AG Barr, the listed drinks maker behind IRN-BRU, has acquired Northumberland soft drinks brand Fentimans.
The Cumbernauld-headquartered group has announced the acquisitions of Hexham-based Fentimans Ltd, a soft drinks and mixers brand known for its 'Botanical Brewing' process, and Exeter-based Frobishers Juices Ltd, a premium natural fruit juices and soft drinks brand.
Both brands operate in the adult soft drinks sector, which is experiencing growth thanks to a consumer trend of reduced alcohol consumption.
AG Barr completed the acquisition of Fentimans on 2 February 2026 for circa £38m while Frobishers was bought for £13m at the end of January.
Euan Sutherland, chief executive at AG Barr, 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."
Words: Stephen Farrell