Waterstones owner considers £2bn bid for The Very Group

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 elec