TMTPOST —JD.com has denied market speculation that it is evaluating the acquisition of British online retail platform The Very Group for approximately £2 billion (about $2.69 billion USD), according to sources close to the company. The denial follows Sky News reports suggesting the Chinese e-commerce giant was considering a bid for the British retailer, which is currently owned by private equity firm Carlyle and operates major brands including Very and Littlewoods with annual revenue exceeding £2 billion. JD.com has previously explored but ultimately withdrawn from other British retail acquisition opportunities such as Currys and Argos.This clarification reflects JD.com’s cautious approach to overseas expansion as it navigates intense domestic competition and seeks sustainable international growth avenues. The episode highlights ongoing interest from Chinese tech firms in European e-commerce assets while underscoring the challenges and strategic selectivity required in cross-border M&A within the rapidly evolving global retail landscape.