The Very Group

UK-based online retailer and financial services provider operating Very.co.uk and Littlewoods, with £2.13 billion in annual sales; acquired by The Carlyle Group in November 2025. Relevant to retail coverage for its integrated retail-credit model and ongoing digital platform investment. Financial services — primarily revolving credit extended to customers at the point of purchase — has historically contributed a substantial share of The Very Group's total revenue, distinguishing it structurally from pure-play fashion retailers. The Carlyle acquisition signals private equity appetite for retail-fintech hybrids at a moment when embedded credit and flexible payment infrastructure are increasingly central to online retail conversion strategy.

First mentioned: April 2026