According to a report on May 22, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is considering a potential acquisition of UK online shopping platform The Very Group, with an estimated valuation of around £2 billion.

Founded in 1923, The Very Group is one of the UK's largest online retailers and flexible payment providers, with annual revenue of approximately £2.1 billion. It operates brands such as Very and Littlewoods, offering nearly 2000 brands across electronics, home goods, and fashion. The company provides flexible payment services like buy now, pay later through its Key Pay platform. Financial reports indicate that the company's adjusted EBITDA for the 2025 fiscal year reached £307 million, the highest in 22 years. The Very Group is currently controlled by private equity giant The Carlyle Group, which acquired it from the Barclay family in 2025.

Sources indicate that Carlyle plans to sell The Very Group at a valuation of around £2 billion. If JD.com successfully completes the acquisition, it would mark another significant attempt by the company to expand into the UK market. Previously, JD.com had unsuccessfully bid for electronics retailer Currys and withdrew from negotiations to acquire Argos.

Analysts believe that if the deal proceeds, it would significantly enhance JD.com's direct reach in the European market. JD.com recently launched an upgraded e-commerce service, Joybuy, in Europe, covering six countries including the UK and Germany, promising same-day delivery. Acquiring The Very Group could provide JD.com with established local brand recognition, logistics infrastructure, and a large customer base, accelerating its expansion in Europe.

As of now, neither JD.com nor The Very Group has issued an official response regarding the matter.