But are we talking about the real thing, or a little dalliance at the drinks dispenser and a flirtation at the photocopier?

The maker of valves for power plants, medical equipment and drink dispensers, reported better than expected pre-tax profits for 2011 of 363.4 million.

The company plans to sell most of the latter, which has precious little to do with its other engineering products, while retaining the bits that supply drinks dispensers.

Intensive birds may be crammed together at around 19 per square metre, but their drink dispensers must be spotless and there are strict rules to be followed.

The group said the deal brought together the two largest remaining independent branded soft drinks dispensers businesses.