Coca-Cola in talks over water takeover

US drinks giant Coca-Cola is in talks regarding a possible buy-out of bottled water firm Highland Spring, it was reported yesterday.

Coke, which owns the smaller brand Malvern Water, has been trying to diversify from its fizzy drinks brands. In a similar move to expand its brands in the US, Coca-Cola last week snapped up Glaceau, which makes flavoured and vitamin-enhanced water, for $4.1 billion.

Coca-Cola has approached Highland Spring regarding a possible deal before, but talks have struggled. Both companies declined to comment.

Wal-Mart chief faces ethics claims

Los Angeles: A fired Wal-Mart marketing executive has accused the retailer’s chief executive of violating its ethics policy by accepting discounts on yachts, diamonds and personal gifts from vendors and others eager to work with the company.

Wal-Mart and former marketing communications chief Julie Roehm have both filed suits over her December dismissal.

Ms Roehm sued for breach of contract. In a March countersuit, Wal-Mart accused her of accepting gifts from an advertising agency that was later chosen to handle the retailer’s ad account.