In a significant shift for the UK retail landscape, American investment firm Carlyle has assumed full control of The Very Group, marking the departure of the Barclay family after two decades of ownership.
A New Chapter for a Retail Icon
The Liverpool-based online retail giant, which operates renowned brands including Very and Littlewoods, confirmed the acquisition on November 10, 2025. International media group IMI will remain a key stakeholder in the business.
This transaction concludes a period of ownership that began in 2002 when the Barclay family acquired the business in a deal valued at £750 million. While the financial terms of the current deal with Carlyle were not publicly disclosed, reports from Sky News indicate the investment firm has poured hundreds of millions into The Very Group in recent years.
From Catalogue Roots to Digital Powerhouse
The Very Group's origins trace back to the 1930s, when the Moores family established the Littlewoods home shopping empire in Liverpool. The company, which evolved into Shop Direct Group in 2003 and rebranded as The Very Group in 2020, also owns historic brands like Kays.
Under the Barclays' leadership, the business underwent a dramatic transformation. The group stated that it evolved from a traditional catalogue business into one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic online retailers. The company boasts annual sales exceeding £2 billion and serves more than 4 million customers.
Its operational footprint includes a head office in Speke, Liverpool, a major distribution centre known as Skygate near Derby, and additional hubs in Wrexham, London, Dublin, and Bolton.
Positioning for Future Growth
Carlyle is not a new investor, having first backed the company in 2021. According to The Very Group, this full acquisition provides a strengthened capital base and enhanced financial flexibility to fuel its long-term growth strategy.
The business is passing to its new owners on a high note. In October 2025, it announced full-year results showing record earnings growth, driven by strong performances in both its retail and financial services divisions.
Robbie Feather, CEO of The Very Group, commented on the milestone: This marks an important milestone for The Very Group as we move into an exciting new phase of growth. We are delighted to continue to partner with Carlyle and IMI. Their continued backing provides us with a stronger foundation to execute on our strategy, increase investment in technology and the customer experience, and to build on the momentum across the business.
He also extended his gratitude to the outgoing owners, stating, I’d like to thank the Barclay family for their stewardship and contribution to the company over the past two decades.
