A co-owner in Perm based drinking water retailer Chistaya Voda (Clean Water) has taken over competitor company Rodnik Prikamya.

Vladimir Nelyubin told reporters he had sealed the purchase for $5.1m.

Mr Nelyubin said he planned to launch production of ice tea products at the newly acquired plant.

He added though that he did not plan to merge the two firms, saying each would continue to sell under its respective brands.