1.   Danone owns several water brands but has been losing market share in the United States.

2.   Howes said that outside the United States and Canada, the company will stick to its existing BonAqua bottled water brand.

3.   Observers believe the number of water brands is certain to dwindle as time goes on.

4.   Smaller, regional water brands are generally falling behind as Aquafina and Dasani gobble up market share.

5.   The deal now under discussion would involve a partnership between Coke and Danone that could provide the basis for a full range of water brands.

6.   There are hundreds of different water brands, and some are so small that they serve just a few towns.

7.   AquaPeak is the latest bottled water brand of La Tondena Distillers Inc.

8.   Danone, which makes Evian and other bottled water brands, has refused to comment.