The Swedish government could end up selling its Vin & Sprit operation to its counterparts in Finland.

The Finnish state-owned beverage operation Altia is the latest company to have its name linked with an acquisition of V&S, including the flagship vodka brand Absolut.

Altia's operations include the importing, marketing, production and export of alcoholic drinks. It also has business units in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia and Estonia, as well as its home country.