DRINKS giant Diageo is looking at further expansion that could give the Johnnie Walker-maker influence on whisky producer Whyte & Mackay.

Diageo said it was in talks with United Spirits to acquire a stake in the company, which owns the Glasgow-based whisky brand. Whyte & Mackay, which also includes single malt brands such as Dalmore and Jura, was acquired by Vijay Mallya's Bangalore-based United Spirits for £595 million in 2007.

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