Irn-Bru proprietor snaps up Fentimans and Frobishers because it eyes ‘grownup mushy drinks’ market
- ‘Efficiencies’ expected in the latter half of 2026 as firm integrates brands
Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has acquired Fentimans and Frobishers in deals worth £51million.
Fentimans, the family-owned soft drinks and mixers brand known for its botanical brewing process, has been snapped up for around £38million, funded through a combination of cash and debt.
Meanwhile, natural juices firm Frobishers has been acquired for £13million.
FTSE 250-listed AG Barr said both businesses were in the ‘attractive’ adult soft drinks market, which is benefitting from the consumer trend of lower alcohol consumption.
It said it would integrate both brands by the end of this year, with ‘efficiencies’ expected to come through in the second half of the year as it seeks to eliminate third-party manufacturing. It is not clear if job losses are on the cards.
AG Barr said ‘double-digit’ profit growth at the Scottish drinks group helped fund the deals, with Frobishers’ acquisition paid entirely from AG Barr’s net cash position at the end of last year.
Acquisitions: Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has acquired Fentimans and Frobishers
The deals were announced alongside a full-year trading update, which showed revenue growth of 4 per cent to £437million and an improved margin of around 14.7 per cent.
AG Barr said it delivered ‘modest’ growth in the second half as a result of marketing investment, following a flat first half.
The business said a ‘strong brand activity pipeline’, including redesigns of Irn-Bru and Rubicon, would help aid further growth this year.
AG Barr shares rose 4.64 per cent to 680p on Tuesday, having risen around 10 per cent in the past year.
Euan Sutherland, AG Barr’s 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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