The Scottish soft drinks company behind the Irn-Bru, Tizer and Orangina brands has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a sports drinks business.

AGBarr plc has bought Taut International, which has been selling and marketing a range of sports drinks since 2003. The company was sold for £1 on a debt free basis.

Taut’s products are sold in 500ml bottles as well as in sachets to retail outlets and sports/health clubs across the UK. In the year to January 2007, its un-audited accountants show a £1.3 million loss.

AG Barr’s chief executive, Roger White, said the deal continues the ongoing expansion of the group’s offering. “We are excited about the Taut acquisition and the opportunities it presents in the fast-growing sports drinks category.”

This deal follows the acquisition of functional water brands Vitaminsmart and Vitsmart, which make drinks containing fruit juices and vitamins. That deal, which was worth £350,000, has added water drinks in forest fruits, passionfruit/orange and citrus fruits favours to its portfolio.

AG Barr has more than 900 employees at manufacturing and distribution sites in Cumbernauld, Atherton, Mansfield and Pitcox near Edinburgh. In the six months to 28 July, it made a pre-tax profit of £10.1 million from a £77.9 million turnover.