US wine giant enters hunt for Allied Domecq

The world’s largest winemaker is in talks that could see it gatecrash the £7.4bn (€10.8bn) takeover of drinks group Allied Domecq, it was reported today.

America’s Constellation Brands – whose portfolio includes Hardys wine and Corona beer – is said to have called in bankers to advise it on a possible counter-bid to Pernod Ricard’s agreement.