Amazon eyed move to buy Waitrose

Amazon tried to open talks with the John Lewis Partnership over a possible acquisition of the Waitrose grocery chain late last year, according to The Sunday Times. One of Amazon’s most senior executives in Britain made contact with a director of the partnership and pushed for a more formal meeting. However, the tentative move was “shut down” by the board, according to a source. News of the interest in the chain, which has more than 350 stores, shines an intriguing light on the US tech giant’s intentions in Britain’s grocery industry. Since the launch of its Amazon Fresh online delivery service here two years ago, analysts have speculated that it could seek to buy an established player — with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose all potential targets. However, the Guardian reports that John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has rejected reports that it was approached by Amazon last year to take over the Waitrose supermarket chain.   Click here for the full Sunday Times article (£) Click here for the full Guardian article