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Elliott mulls $2.67 billion takeover of UK's The Very Group, Sky News reports - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Finance

Elliott mulls $2.67 billion takeover of UK's The Very Group, Sky News reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 11, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 11, 2026

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Elliott mulls $2.67 billion takeover of UK's The Very Group, Sky News reports

Overview of Elliott Advisors' Interest in The Very Group

June 11 (Reuters) - U.S.-based investment firm Elliott Advisors has joined bidders considering a takeover of The Very Group in a deal that could value the British online retailer at £2 billion ($2.67 billion), Sky News reported on Thursday.

Background and Recent Developments

Here are more details:

Competing Bidders and Market Expansion

• Sky News had reported in May that Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com was evaluating a potential £2 billion bid for The Very Group, in a push to expand in the UK market.

The Very Group's Business and Brands

• The Very Group, previously known as Shop Direct, sells clothes, electronics and home goods to customers mainly under the Very and Littlewoods brands.

Ownership Changes and Stakeholder Responses

• The takeover interest in the retailer comes after U.S.-based Carlyle took control of the group last year, ending the Barclay family's 20-year involvement with The Very Group.

Comments from Involved Parties

• The Very Group and Carlyle declined to comment, while Elliott did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Additional Information

($1 = £0.7486)

(Reporting by Neeshita Beura, Unnamalai L and Tuhina in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)

Key Takeaways

  • Elliott Advisors has joined a takeover contest for The Very Group, valuing it at approximately £2 billion, according to Sky News via Reuters (uk.marketscreener.com).
  • JD.com is also evaluating a similar £2 billion bid as part of its wider UK expansion strategy, following previous failed attempts at acquiring Currys and Argos (fashionunited.com).
  • The Very Group, formerly Shop Direct, is currently under Carlyle’s ownership after acquiring it from the Barclay family in late 2025; the retailer reported around £2.1 billion in annual sales and strengthened earnings under its new ownership (theverygroup.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considering a takeover of The Very Group?
Elliott Advisors, a US-based investment firm, is among the bidders considering a takeover of The Very Group.
How much is Elliott Advisors' potential bid for The Very Group valued at?
The potential bid from Elliott Advisors could value The Very Group at approximately £2 billion ($2.67 billion).
Which other companies have shown interest in acquiring The Very Group?
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com and Carlyle have also shown interest in acquiring The Very Group.
What does The Very Group do?
The Very Group is a British online retailer selling clothes, electronics, and home goods under the Very and Littlewoods brands.
Who owned The Very Group before Carlyle?
The Very Group was previously owned by the Barclay family for 20 years before Carlyle took control last year.

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