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.