Irn Bru maker Barr puts the fizz into exotic juice firm with £60m takeover

IRN Bru maker AG Barr has today announced plans to buy a London exotic juice manufacturer as it continues its UK expansion. The soft drinks group has entered a conditional agreement to buy the Rubicon group for £59.8 million.

Barr hopes to diversify its products and expand into the exotic juice drinks market with the purchase.

It said the purchase will significantly increase its customer base and expand its geographic strengths.

Rubicon, which employs 97 people, produces drinks based on fruits such as mango, passionfruit, pomegranite and guava, and had strong sales of £27.3m last year.

Its carbonated drinks have been manufactured by Barr for the last 20 years, allowing the two companies to develop a close working relationship.

The deal, subject to approval by shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting, is expected to create the opportunity for £1.5m in cost savings.

Chief executive Roger White said: "The acquisition is a great opportunity."