RJ Corp-owned Varun Beverages Limited (BSE:540180) is in advanced talks to acquire PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited's bottling, sales and distribution in the south and west for its carbonated drinks business, giving it nationwide control of these functions, said two executives aware of the development. Varun already runs PepsiCo's bottling operations in the north and east and contributes more than 51% to its India's sales volume. PepsiCo will continue to own the brand name and sell concentrate to franchisees besides handling marketing. PepsiCo said it wouldn't comment on "rumours and speculation". RJ Corp Chairman Ravi Jaipuria said the same: "We don't comment on market speculation."