The bulk of the profit rise was down to price increases across the group's drinks range. Net debt was also cut down to £503.7 million against £534.4 million at the end of the first-half last year. Charles Pick, an analyst at Numis Securities, has questioned whether the deal will Barr now go ahead, given Britvic's strong profit growth. He described the first-half results as "amazing, especially given market conditions". "With the new strategy and cost savings of £30 million per annum there may be questioning of whether Barr Britvic Soft Drinks will still be created (assuming Competition Commission clearance)." AG Barr is also being linked to a possible buyout of Ribena and Lucozade after owner GlaxoSmithKline indicated in April it was considering a sale of the brands, though AG Barr has made no official statement indicating an interest in buying the drinks.