After the collapse of a planned merger between Asda and Sainsbury’s, Walmart disclosed earlier this year that it was talking to investors interested in taking a majority stake in the grocer. However, the conversation was put on ice as the Covid pandemic sent the world into lockdown.

Talks have now started again. A Walmart spokesperson said: “Walmart and Asda have restarted conversations with a small number of third-party investors who are interested in acquiring a stake in Asda and partnering with Walmart, following renewed inbound interest.”