The news that Clayton, Dubilier & Rice made a £5.5 billion (€6.4 billion) bid to take over Morrisons has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, with Amazon once again named as a potential rival suitor for the UK's fourth-biggest grocer, in a move akin to its acquisition of US grocer Whole Foods.
However, according to Andy Halliwell, senior director at digital consultancy Publicis Sapient, while Amazon has long been associated with a possible swoop for Morrisons, the timing might not be ideal for the online giant.
"It may just be too soon for Amazon to commit to the UK marketplace – where they’ve traditionally preferred a more staggered, test and learn approach, and ultimately I don’t believe they’re interested in owning such a large amount of real estate," he said.
