Diageo's new chief executive, less than a week into the job, was yesterday toasting the drinks giant's success in taking a controlling stake in the Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya's United Spirits group.

Contenders for the Diageo World Class Bartender contest had an added challenge this year: to shake up a drink that still tasted good in mid-air. Samuel Muston joined them on board.

Paul Walsh, the mastermind behind the global expansion of the Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker maker Diageo, is expected to take the chair at the caterer Compass as he retires from the drinks giant next year.

The winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction next year will be able to raise a glass of cream liqueur in celebration after Baileys stepped in to sponsor the award.

Ivan Menezes celebrated his success landing the job as boss of the world's biggest drinks company, Diageo, with a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky on the flight from London to New York. The promotion of the chief operating officer and company insider didn't scare the horses in the City as the shares barely twitched. But as he sipped the £130 liquor on the plane Mr Menezes might well have pondered the shoes he will have to fill when Paul Walsh, the FTSE 100's third longest-serving boss, departs.

Russell Lynch discovers Diageo is spreading the word about Johnnie Walker in the world’s second-biggest economy

Cheap fares are a hit for Eurostar

In the old world, back when the measure of success had nothing to do with Twitter followers, an advertising slogan caught the public imagination that held, "If you want to get ahead get a hat!" These were the days when a cap, trilby or bowler would symbolise class, when the appropriate headwear could mark you out as a "man of ambition".

Sales of new black beer disappoint in Ireland and US

Britain’s lax regulations contributed to scandal of babies born disfigured because of drug

Forget about putting cash under the mattress, it could be time to start buying shares in banknotes printer De La Rue, analysts reckon. JPMorgan's scribes think the stock fell too low after the notes printer cut its profit forecast last month and now there is a "compelling opportunity" to buy the shares. Its Bank of England contract is up for grabs with a call for bids by the end of January. De La Rue has held it since 2003 but JPMorgan's Alexander Mees said he thought there was "no reason not to expect De La Rue to be successful".

Drinks giant Diageo has called time on its bid to buy Mexico's Jose Cuervo tequila brand, ending year-long talks.

Drinks giant Diageo has proved its acquisition strategy is not invincible by calling time on its bid to buy Mexico’s Jose Cuervo tequila brand, bringing to an end year-long talks.

The drinks giant Diageo has finally agreed to acquire a controlling stake in United Spirits for nearly £1.3bn, growing its presence in India massively and ending months of speculation.