Irn-Bru manufacturer AG Barr has purchased a tropical juice company for nearly £60 million, The Times has reported.
Rubicon was snapped up by the Cumbernauld-based soft drink firm for its mango, lychee and passion fruit drinks.
Retail sales of still and juice drinks rose by 37 per cent between 2003 and 2007, and demand for exotic juice drinks is increasing.
The deal will also help AG Barr expand into new markets. Chief executive Roger White said: “It gives us a solid position in this sector where we are not really big players at the moment. Our historic strength is Scotland and northern England - this is a brand embedded in the South East and within the M25.”
London-based Rubicon was established in 1981, and made adjusted operating profits of £4.7 million last year on sales of £27.3m.
