While it was not known when Coke filed the HSR notification with the FTC, a review process normally takes 30 days. However, it could be shorter or longer in certain cases. Glaceau, in which Tata Tea had acquired a 30 per cent stake for $677 million in August last year, was reported to be on Coke’s takeover radar earlier last month.

When contacted, a Tata Tea spokesperson in India said: “We do not wish to comment on speculations.”

Based on the price of Tatas’ acquisition, New York-based Glaceau could be valued at close to $2.25 billion. However, the market speculations have put the value of the deal anywhere between $3-4 billion.

Eyeing the energy drink maker

• Coca-Cola has filed a pre-merger notification for Glaceau, reported Beverage Digest

• Tata Tea owns 30 per cent stake in the energy drink maker

• Tata Tea shares soared 4 per cent on the back of the news report

• Market speculations value the deal between $3-4 billion

• Shares of Coca-Cola dropped 1.4 per cent at the NYSE