Insignia Richard Ellis (IRE) may move into the former HQ of Guinness.
The surveying firm has identified Kingsley House in Wimpole Street, W1, as a possible head office.
IRE is believed to have put the 60,000 sq ft (5,570 sq m) building high on its shortlist.
Kingsley House is let to Guinness’s parent Diageo until 2011, and is mostly occupied by Guinness UDV staff.
But it emerged this week that the drinks giant intends to assign its lease next year, ahead of a move to its 160,000 sq ft (14,864 sq m) worldwide HQ in Park Royal, NW10.
IRE’s lease at its Berkeley Square House offices expires next year.
A senior source close to the negotiations said: “IRE didn’t want news that the Guinness building was in play to leak out.
“It was hoping to have a clear run at the building if the board decided it was their preferred location.”
Diageo and development partner London & Regional have planning consent for a 1.2m sq ft (111,480 sq m) scheme in Park Royal, but work has only begun on its own offices.
Diageo corporate property director David Carter said: “We’ll be looking to assign. We’ve not gone to the market or appointed agents yet.
“We’re not in talks with any potential assignees yet.”
The building is just one of the options being considered by IRE.
Other W1 sites on its list include Brittannic’s Chesterfield Gardens and Redevco’s 64 North Row.
However, the firm has not ruled out remaining at Berkeley Square House.
The source added: “The market has changed since IRE started looking.
“A new lease at Berkeley Square House would now be closer to £60 per sq ft than the £70 it feared it would have to pay to stay.”
Last summer, IRE was close to putting Alfred Buller’s Midtown scheme, the Eye, under offer.
However, the board decided on the West End for its main offices.
IRE declined to comment.
EGi News 15/04/02
