Dickson Minto and Linklaters have taken the headline roles as AG Barr's acquisition of Britvic today (11 June) received provisional clearance from the Competition Commission.

The Commission concluded that a union of the two companies is not expected to result in lesser competition and would not lead to an increase in wholesale prices.

Cumbernauld-headquartered AG Barr, known for brands including Irn-Bru and Orangina, first announced it was planning to merge with Tango and Pepsi producer Britvic in September 2012. The matter was first referred to the Commission by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on 13 February this year.

Dickson Minto advised AG Barr, with Colin MacNeill leading the firm's team, while Linklaters corporate partner Owen Clay and banking partner Philip Spittal were brought in by Britvic. On competition matters, Dickson Minto partner Ajal Notowicz led for AG Barr, while Linklaters partner Paula Riedel advised Britvic.

The Commission did not consider the increased size of the merged company – which would generate combined revenues of around £1.5bn – would mean new entrants and smaller companies would be disadvantaged significantly in obtaining listings at retailers.

"We have provisionally concluded that customers will not lose out from the merged Barr/Britvic," said Alasdair Smith, CC deputy chairman and chairman of the Barr/Britvic inquiry group. "Given the size of this market and the number of consumers who could be potentially affected, it was important to examine the likely effects carefully."

The inquiry group also included former Reed Smith partner and London head of competition Katherine Holmes. A Commission spokesperson confirmed the body had not sought external legal advice on the matter. The Commission is expected to publish its final report by 30 July 2013.