The makers of Irn Bru, A.G. Barr have agreed to merge with Britvic which is one of the leading soft drinks makers. The move will create the largest company to produce soft drinks in Europe.
A.G. Barr was established in 1875 and produces not only Irn Bru, but also brands including, Rubicon, Strathmore, Simply, St Clements, Sun Exotic and Tizer. They also have a franchise in Orangina which enables them to produce and sell the product, under licence.
Britvic is a lot younger than A.G. Barr, but has some of the most famous soft drinks under its umbrella. Brands include: Fruit Shoot, J2O, Robinsons, R Whites and Tango. The company also has exclusive bottling rights in the UK with Pepsi. This enables them to produce and sell 7UP, Mountain Dew, Pepsi and Pepsi Max.
Under the merger, the company will be renamed ‘Barr Britvic Soft Drinks plc’ and Britvic shareholders will have 63 per cent of the company and A.G. Barr will have the remaining 37 per cent. Currently the companies employ around 4,280 people, and some roles in operational, corporate and support will overlap, but the company anticipate it will take over three years for integration planning to take effect.
Speaking of the merger, Gerald Corbett non-executive Chairman at Britvic, said: “The merger of A.G. Barr and Britvic will create a world class soft drinks company.”
Ronald Hanna, non-executive Chairman at A.G. Barr continued: “The Combined Group will have a broad portfolio of attractive soft drinks brands with representation in key sub-segments of the soft drinks market.
“The new business will enjoy significant growth potential in all sectors of the market through diversified and enhanced routes to market and the potential of increased international exposure.”
It is understood that the registered office for the new company will be located in Cumbernauld – A.G. Barr’s current head office, and the operational headquarters will be located in Hemel Hempstead – Britvic’s present head office.
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