Ocado - comment

The criticism of Ocado’s operational performance by M&S is part negotiation, part fair. The performance-related payment to Ocado will be closer to £120m than the £190m expected, so not fatal. There are still issues around linking Ocado promotions to M&S promotions and products. Ocado’s technology business has no Ocado branding as there is no branding/marketing, and the website content will be in the hands of the partner supermarket. If criticism moves to the logistics capabilities, then we need to worry. For now, the manoeuvring from M&S feels more like preparing the ground to buy Ocado out, as set out in the original JV agreement.  

https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/07/m-and-s-unhappy-ocado/