UK-based Diageo has indicated that it is planning to delay an open offer aimed at acquiring additional 26 per cent stake in United Spirits that was expected from January 7, 2013.

The maker of Johnnie Walker is looking to expand its presence outside Europe and wants to get half of its net sales from outside of the region. It recently picked up a stake in United Spirits Ltd. (UNSP) to gain leadership in India, which is the world's largest whiskey-consuming nation.

JM Financial Institutional Securities, the manager to the open offer said on behalf of United Spirits announced that the company is planning to revise the activities planned listed in Detailed Public Statement (DPS) and the Draft Letter of Offer (DLoF). It also said that the new schedule will be reelased soon.

The shares of United Breweries (UB) Holdings fell more than 2 per cent after indications that Diageo has delayed the open offer for shares in United Spirits. United Spirits were trading about 2 per cent lower at Rs 1,881 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). UB Holdings fell 8 per cent to Rs 103 on the NSE. The shares opened at Rs 111 and the total volume was recorded at 1.21 million shares.