HAYDOCK based business Aimia Foods has been bought by a US drinks company in a deal said to be just under £50m.

The company, which make a range of hot and cold drinks such as Galaxy Hot Chocolate and No Fear Energy Drink, has signed an agreement to become part of Cott Ventures Limited, a subsidiary of Cott Beverages.

Rob Unsworth managing director at Aimia said: “We firmly believe that bringing the company into the Cott family will provide additional opportunities for the benefit of our employees and customers alike.”

Steve Corby director of Cott Ventures praised Aimia’s expertise in the field and their strengths in manufacturing, sales and marketing of drinks brands across the UK market.

He said: “Aimia has been highly successful in maintaining strong relationships with leading brand owners and out-sourcing partners and we look forward to continuing to build these relationships under Aimia’s current leadership.”