A.G. Barr has announced the acquisitions of soft drinks and mixers brand, Fentimans, and premium natural fruit juices and soft drinks company, Frobishers, for £38m and £13m, respectively.

The multi-beverage business, which owns brands including Irn-Bru, Rubicon and Boost, said the takeovers reflect the execution of "further meaningful and targeted M&A" to elevate growth and provide opportunities for cost synergies.

The integration of both firms will take place in the current financial year, with associated efficiencies beginning to come through from the second half.

A.G. Barr announced the acquisitions alongside reporting that its performance was in line with expectations in the 2025/26 financial year, as its revenue jumped by 4% to £437m in the year to 31 January.

Its adjusted operating margin has also increased by 110 bps to around 14.7%, which has contributed to double-digit profit growth. The firm said this growth was driven by benefits from ongoing efficiency initiatives and supply chain investment.

Chief executive officer at A.G. Barr, Euan Sutherland, 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."

A.G. Barr revealed that a series of new product launches started last month while it had also made continued investments in manufacturing sites, designed to improve capacity and capability.

Following its latest trading update, shares in A.G. Barr jumped by over 7%. It will publish its full-year results on 31 March.

Investment director at AJ Bell, Russ Mould, stated that the firm is looking to tap into the trend of "posh soft drinks" with its latest deals.

He concluded: "A.G. Barr is making these transactions from a position of strength, comfortably funding them thanks to a strong balance sheet and having reported a resilient full-year performance in its pre-close trading update.

"Given external cost pressures, investors will be pleased by the tick higher in adjusted operating margin and revenue growth in line with expectations. A.G. Barr’s improved profitability demonstrates the efficiencies made by the company and investments to improve its supply chain are paying off."

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