THE board of United Spirits has said it is preparing for a potential sale of Whyte & Mackay.

A filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange said the matter was considered at a board meeting of the Indian company this week.

Glasgow-based Whyte & Mackay may have to be sold to appease competition authorities looking at Diageo's effective takeover of United Spirits.

United Spirits said: "The board has nominated certain persons to oversee the process and consider, examine and evaluate possibilities and structures in relation to a potential sale, appoint necessary advisors in this regard and identify potential purchasers."

Diageo has already proposed selling the Whyte & Mackay brand, its private label business and distilleries in Invergordon, Jura and Fettercairn.