By Ian Walker

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Friday that it is inviting comments from interested parties on Diageo PLC's proposed acquisition of Chase Distillery (Holdings) Ltd. ahead of a formal investigation into the deal.

The regulator said that it is considering whether the deal will lead to a lessening of competition within the U.K. It has set a deadline of Jan. 21 for parties to put forward any comments.

Diageo, the world's largest liquor maker --which owns Johnnie Walker whisky and Tanqueray gin-- said last October that it was buying Chase Distillery, the owner of Chase GB Gin and the Chase Original Potato Vodka.

It said at the time that the deal was expected to close in early this year, subject to regulatory clearances.

Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-08-21 0227ET