The company also announced its intention to invest in and grow the business by applying its existing strengths in customer relationships, distribution and marketing.

The Ben Shaws water business currently produces 65 million litres of own label water for three major grocers and is also responsible for the Pennine Spring and Fountain Head brands.

Explaining the rationale for selling the business, Ian Gibbs, managing director of Ben Shaws, said: “In today’s competitive market place, it became increasingly difficult to provide the right level of focus for our very diverse portfolio of water, traditionals and dispense drinks.

"Our decision to focus solely on dispense is a positive and logical business strategy which will afford the company continued future success.’’

Paul Moody, managing director of Britvic Soft Drinks, added: “This is good news for both Britvic and the employees responsible for water production at Ben Shaws.

"Britvic has a good record of achievement with the businesses it has acquired in the past, the most well known of which is Robinsons. A company owned water brand has been a gap in our portfolio but will be a key pillar of our future strategy.’’

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