Private equity firm Carlyle, which took control of Very just months ago, is looking to sell the online retailer, according to Sky News.

It cited documents filed by administrators PwC that showed an “immediate” sale process was planned following the takeover in November last year. 

Carlyle, a lender to Very since 2021, took over the business from previous owners the Barclay family for a nominal sum. The reports suggest that the takeover was a transitional one, with Sky News saying that Barclays and JP Morgan are being lined up for an auction shortly. 

Retail industry sources cited by Sky suggest that Very will be valued in the range of between £2bn and £2.5bn. The company is expected to report strong golden quarter trading next week.  

Its latest results for the 13 weeks ending September 27, 2025, showed that Very UK revenue increased 3.7% to £406.7m, with home sales up 10.9% year over year.

Its latest full-year results for the year ending June 28, 2025, also showed the highest ever earnings margin (adjusted EBITDA of 14.7%) that it has ever reported. 

Alongside its retail business, it also operates the Very Finance arm, which grew by 5.7% in the latest reported quarter.

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