If the AG Barr/Britvic merger receives the go-ahead from the Competition Commission (a decision is expected in early June), White is supposedly in line to head up the new £1.5bn turnover company, to be called Barr Britvic Soft Drinks. But this week new Britvic CEO Simon Litherland (qv) made a major play for the job, and for more favourable terms. There’s no question White (and Barr) is highly regarded: despite months of uncertainty since the proposed merger was announced last November, and a £3.2m spend on the deal, pre-tax profits before tax rose 4.3% with turnover up 6.6% thanks to strong sales growth from core brands such as Irn-Bru, Rubican and energy drink Rockstar. In addition, a new factory in Milton Keynes is set to open this summer - significantly boosting production. And AG Barr is an official supporter of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which White hopes will prove more successful than London 2012 was for Coca-Cola. But will he be the unlucky victim of the CC’s strange referral?
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