Carlyle Group is reportedly preparing to abandon the sale of Very Group after offers failed to meet its £2bn valuation.
According to Sky News, the private equity owner is set to halt the auction of the Liverpool-based online retailer, which attracted interest from JD.com and financial investors, including Elliott Advisors.
JD.com was understood to be leading the process but is reportedly reluctant to proceed while facing European regulatory scrutiny over its proposed acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy.
Carlyle took control of Very in November 2025 following a financial restructuring. A sale process was a condition of the ownership change, although it did not oblige Carlyle to accept an offer.
Very generated revenue of £2.1bn and EBITDA of £307m in the year to 28 June 2025. Retail sales subsequently increased by 1.9 per cent during the six weeks to 27 December.
The group renewed key debt facilities in February, securing funding through to 2029 and beyond. It serves 4.4 million customers and provides payment options through its consumer finance business.
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