Rival firms Britvic and AG Barr have agreed to merge, creating one of Europe's largest soft drinks companies.

Drinks brands Robinsons squash and Irn-Bru are to be poured into the same company after their makers unveiled a £1.4bn (€1.75bn) merger deal today.

International soft drinks producer, Britvic has said that revenues at its Irish operation fell by 9.6%, to £138.7m (€171m) in its latest financial year.

President Barack Obama's State of the Union address buoyed the London market today as investors cheered moves to support growth in the world's biggest economy.

The London market roared ahead today on hopes for the world’s biggest economy after President Barack Obama promised to create jobs and support growth.

The FTSE 100 Index just managed to keep its head above water today after spending much of the session in the red following mixed economic data from the US and concerns over European debt.

The FTSE 100 Index ran out of steam today as investors paused for breath in the face of mixed economic news on both sides of the Atlantic.

Irn-Bru soft drinks firm AG Barr overcame rising competition and poor summer weather to post a 27% hike in annual earnings today.

Irn-Bru and Tizer maker AG Barr moved into the sports drink sector today after unveiling a deal to acquire the owner of the Taut range.

Warm spring weather and a pick-up in the soft drinks market helped Irn-Bru maker AG Barr report a boost in sales today.

Irn-Bru and Tizer maker AG Barr today said it expected its full year results to be in line with market expectations despite rising costs and a “weakness” in the soft drinks market.

Telecoms stock O2 was the talk of the market today after an upbeat trading statement made it one of the highest blue-chip risers.

Irn Bru-to-Tizer company AG Barr lifted underlying half-year profits today, despite a “sluggish” market for the carbonated drinks sector.