Family Firms Trade Leading Soft Drinks Brand

Top 100 law firm Moore Barlow has played a vital role in the acquisition of soft drinks brand Rio to A.G. BARR, a British soft drinks manufacturer based in Cumbernauld, makers of Irn-Bru, from Hall & Woodhouse Limited for a total cash consideration of £12.3m.

The tropical fruit brand Rio has been marketed, sold and distributed on an exclusive licence basis by A.G. BARR’s recently acquired Boost Drinks division since 2021. The acquisition is entirely funded from A.G. BARR’s strong net cash position.

Moore Barlow advised the sellers, Hall & Woodhouse Limited, a British regional brewer and pub operator founded in 1777 by Charles Hall in Blandford Forum, Dorset, England. The company operates over 180 public houses and inns in the south of England and brews under the name Badger. Rio, originally called Arriva, was created by Hall & Woodhouse in 1980.

Paul Barnett, Group Financial Director at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We’re very grateful to the Moore Barlow team for all the hard work in getting this over the line. We’ve always found working with Moore Barlow really straightforward, and they have undoubtedly added value at every stage of this deal.”

Roger Bailey, partner at Moore Barlow, said:

“We’re delighted that we have been a key part in making this deal happen as Hall & Woodhouse’s trusted adviser."

“Rio is a brand which everyone will have seen on the shelves - so it’s great to be involved in a deal with such a household name. It’s a great fit for A.G. BARR’s brand portfolio and we wish Rio all the best for the future under A.G. BARR’s stewardship.”