Moët Hennessy sale talks reported

There are major rumblings in the offices of some of the alcoholic beverage industry's major players.

Several days ago, we heard via the Sunday Telegraph of London that Brown-Forman and Bacardi were discussing merger possibilities.

Now, according to the Financial Times, LVMH may sell some or all of its two-thirds stake in Moët Hennessy, its wine and spirits business, to partner Diageo.

A sale would free up cash for LVMH, the world's biggest luxury goods group, to spend on purchases in the fashion side of its business. Industry watchers have said luxury goods makers Hermès or Gucci could fit well within LVMH's portfolio, which includes Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs.

Moët Hennessy has either created or acquired a handful of well-known brands including Glenmorangie whisky, Belevedere and Chopin vodka, and 10 Cane Rum. It also owns some of the world's best-known champagne brands. Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot account for 34% of its sales.

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