Amazon is in exploratory talks with Reliance Retail to acquire up to 26% in the country’s largest brick and mortar retailer, two senior industry executives said. However, they made it clear that there is no certainty that the initial discussions will result in any deal.Â
Talks began after Reliance’s negotiations with China’s Alibaba Group to sell a stake in the retail entity fell through due to differences over valuation, they said. Amazon approached Reliance as it wants a toehold in all in all the country’s large brick-and-mortar chains for a long-term, omni-channel setup in India, where shopping is still heavily skewed toward physical outlets, they said. Its widely reported talks with the Future Group are ongoing, although these are said to be proceeding slowly.Â
An Amazon spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation about what we may or may not do in future.â€Â
A Reliance spokesperson said: “Our company evaluates various opportunities on an ongoing basis. We have made and will continue to make necessary disclosures in compliance with our obligations under Securities Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 and our agreements with the stock exchanges.â€Â
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