The company behind Irn-Bru - dubbed Scotland's other national drink - today confirmed talks over a possible £1.4bn merger with Tango maker Britvic.
AG Barr, which dates back to 1875 and also makes Tizer and Rubicon, said the discussions were at an early stage after it approached its Hemel Hempstead -based rival Britvic about a potential tie-up.
The pair said a merger deal would create one of the leading soft drinks companies in Europe, with other brands including the Britvic products Robinsons, J2O and Fruit Shoot.
It has already been agreed that Britvic shareholders will own 63% of any new company. Shares in both companies fizzed on the market this week, with Britvic worth £890m after a 12 per cent rise and AG Barr up 4 per cent, valuing it at £500m.