THE maker of soft drink Irn-Bru could make a £1billion bid for drinks Lucozade and Ribena when they are auctioned off by GlaxoSmithKline.
The two brands, which are produced at a factory in Coleford, in the Forest of Dean, are expected to attract the attention of AG Barr.
The Scottish manufacturer is thought to be considering the move, days after it was confirmed a merger with soft drink business Britvic would not go ahead.
GlaxoSmithKline said in April that it would sell off the two drinks brands by the end of this year.
Orangina-owner Suntory of Japan is thought to be the front runner to buy them.
Drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline began looking earlier this year for offers for the two drinks.
It comes after the drugs group announced a fall in profits for the year to nearly £8 billion and talks began between management and unions at the Coleford plant.
