Diageo considers offer for Jim Beam

The UK drinks giant is said to be in talks with potential fellow investors over an offer for Jim Beam whiskey.

Suntory and various private equity firms have all been namedropped as speculation mounts that a US$10 billion offer is on the cards.

However, initial talks with Suntory in the spring and summer are thought to have proved inconclusive.

Diageo has already been involved in some high-profile deals this year, including the £1.2bn deal with United Spirits, which gives the group extensive access to the Indian market.

As other recent deals have focused on buying into brands in emerging markets the return to the US appears to be a change in strategy.

Nonetheless, with deals such as the one with United Spirits still being finalised, it is unlikely that any move on Beam will occur until next year.

By that time, however, it is possible that Bacardi and Pernod Ricard will also be showing greater interest in the bourbon maker.