Diageo to close global HQ

Diageo is to close its global headquarters in central London by the end of 2009, as part of a major restructuring programme.

The firm hopes to save £100m in the 2010 financial year, and is consulting with staff over plans to move its London employees from Henrietta Place office to a single facility located in West London's Park Royal.

A Diageo spokeswoman said: "At Diageo's half year results in February 2009 we announced our intention to implement a restructuring plan in the second half of our financial year.

"This restructuring plan will create anticipated full year savings of £100 million.

"The savings will come from costs of goods sold and overheads - which include running costs, facilities and employees - and contributions to these savings will come from most parts of the business around the world.

"As part of this plan, Diageo is currently consulting with its London based staff on a proposal to move to a single London operation, based in our existing purpose built office in Park Royal.

"This would result in the closure of the Henrietta Place office by the end of 2009."