If the initial news of Ocado and Morrisons tie-up sent an explosive ripple through the grocery industry, the ratification of the deal at an extraordinary general meeting today was a more sedate affair.

If the initial news of Ocado and Morrisons tie-up sent an explosive ripple through the grocery industry, the ratification of the deal at an extraordinary general meeting today was a more sedate affair.

In stark contrast to the furore over shutting out journalists from its AGM earlier this year, yours truly was the sole member of the press pack at today’s formality at Slaughter & May.

A small cluster of shareholders dotted the seats in the meeting room on the fringes of the City as finance types filed past sweating in suits outside.

Ocado chairman Sir Stuart Rose cut a sharp figure in blue suit and tie while Ocado commercial director Jason Gissing, ever the face of the etail generation, appeared relaxed in a flowing pink shirt.

Rose and chief executive Tim Steiner appeared in fine spirits as the relevant documents were read out and approved. In truth, the handful of votes handed in would have little impact, as Rose explained the proxy votes already cast have confirmed the 25-year deal with the Bradford-based grocer will go through.

Steiner explained that he already has “a lot of people working on” the Morrisons contract, with the scheduled January deadline looming large.

He pointedly said the deal is great for “Ocado, Morrisons and Waitrose” with the relationship with the latter still under scrutiny.

Interestingly, he added that Ocado has identified that some of his existing shoppers also shop at Morrisons but says the overlap is “small”.

Finance director Duncan Tatton-Brown added that the quality of Ocado’s service was enough to give Morrisons’ boss Dalton Philips the confidence to make bold profit targets.

Morrisons will have plenty of time to scrutinise this service as almost three decades of marriage began today.