AG Barr has made two major acquisitions in the adult soft drinks market, with its £13 million acquisition of Frobishers and its c.£38 million purchase of Fentimans.
The deals were outlined in its full year trading update published today (3 February 2026), which said performance for FY25/26 has been “strong” and in line with expectations.
The drinks giant has been focused on developing its brand innovative pipeline, channel expansion initiatives and investment into operational capabilities; and it says “good progress” has been made in these areas with the next financial year set to see continued momentum.
The addition of Frobishers and Fentimans to its portfolio sees AG Barr capitalising on the growing adult soft drinks market which has been benefitting from the trend of reduced alcohol consumption.
The acquisitions of this duo also reflects its strategy to elevate growth through targeted M&A which both broadens its brand portfolio and provides opportunities for cost synergies.
The acquisition of Frobishers was completed towards the period end, funded from the company’s net cash position. While Fentimans was completed on 2 February 2026, funded through a combination of cash and debt.
The integration of both brands will take place during the next financial year (26/27), with the “associated efficiencies” anticipated to come through from the second half of the year.
The drinks firm’s trading update highlighted its intention to maintain a strong brand activity pipeline through FY26/27, including redesigns of IRN-BRU and Rubicon, alongside further innovation launches.
“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,” Euan Sutherland, chief executive officer for AG Barr, said.
“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.”
