The Hut Group on takeover spree as value skyrockets

The Hut Grou‎p has in the last few months rejected a string of investment and takeover offers valuing it at nearly £4 billion.

Sky News reports that the UK online retailer, which ‎sold a stake last year at a £2.5 billion price tag, is about to buy Acheson & Acheson, a beauty contract manufacturer and product developer, in a deal understood to be worth between £50 million and £100 million. This follows other takeovers by The Hut Group, including of ESPA, the skincare and spa brand, and Glossybox, a subscription service.

“The company's decision to turn down investment and takeover offers valuing it at $5 billion (£3.9 billion) will again stir interest in the price at which it could eventually sell or float on the stock market,” Sky News says. “There are understood‎ to be no plans to pursue either exit route, with further acquisitions said to be on the agenda.”