US-based investment firm Elliott Advisors, which owns Waterstones, is reportedly eyeing a £2 billion takeover of multi-brand online retailer The Very Group.
Currently owned by private equity firm The Carlyle Group, The Very Group has also gained interest from Chinese e-commerce newcomer JD.com.
Carlyle only acquired The Very Group from the Barclay family in 2025. Then in January, it was reported to be considering an auction of the retail site which sells clothing, beauty, homeware and electrical goods under the Very and Littlewoods banners.
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Very’s interim results, for the 39 weeks ending 28 March 2026, were positive with retail revenue growing 0.1 per cent year-on-year to £1 billion. The etailer’s sports category saw 7.5 per cent growth.
However, its overall fashion segment dropped 4.5% in what it described as a “tough market”. Group retail sales, including revenue from its Littlewoods and Very Ireland brands, also fell 1.6 per cent to £1.2 billion.
Elliott, Carlyle, and The Very Group did not respond to a Sky News request for comment.
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