The Very Group, parent company of online retailers Very and Littlewoods, has changed hands, with private equity company Carlyle becoming its new owner.  

The move ends the Barclay family’s two-decade involvement with the UK-based online retailer, with international media group IMI maintaining its position as a key stakeholder. 

Financial terms of the deal have anot been not disclosed.  

Carlyle and IMI have backed The Very Group since 2021 and will continue to support its management team.  

The new ownership structure provides a strengthened capital base and greater financial flexibility to pursue long-term growth. 

Carlyle, working alongside IMI, will partner management to advance strategic priorities focused on innovation and the use of technology and data to enhance customer proposition.  

In October 2025, The Very Group had released its financial results for the year ended 28 June. 

The group’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciatin and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 15.9% year-on-year to £307.1m - a 14.7% margin which is the highest in its history.  

Operating costs fell to their lowest level to date. 

The Very Group CEO Robbie Feather stated: “This marks an important milestone [...] 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. I’d like to thank the Barclay family for their stewardship and contribution to the company over the past two decades.” 

Carlyle managed $474bn in assets across private equity, credit, and investment platforms as of 30 September 2025.  

IMI oversees a portfolio of major media brands, including The National, Sky News Arabia and Euronews, and holds joint ventures and investments across media, entertainment and sports.