The founding family of UK supermarket Sainsbury’s sold 40m shares this morning (1 February) worth approximately GBP176m (US$346.76m).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The Sainsbury family sold about 2% of the company, reducing its stake to 13.89%.


The move fuelled takeover speculation, driving share prices up by 2.65% to 445.25 pence at time of press. Takeover talk has bolstered shares in the retailer in recent weeks, with investment funds said to be eyeing the stake held by the family of Lord Sainsbury.


“We think it highly likely that property and/or financial investors are running the rule over Sainsbury,” Numis Securities told clients in an investor note last week.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now