John Lewis, the UK retailer, said it is “supportive” of Ocado’s plans to launch a long-awaited listing on the country’s stock market.

Last month, Ocado, the online food retailer, which had previously indicated that it plans to launch an IPO this year, told just-food that it remained “on track” with its aim.

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However, it had remained silent over reports that its plans were under threat after Waitrose, the food arm of John Lewis, was said to be planning to launch its own competing home-delivery service within two years.

John Lewis, the department store chain that owns a 30% stake in Ocado through its pension fund, today said it supported the retailers stock market plans.

A spokesperson for John Lewis told just-food: “The John Lewis pension fund is a major shareholder in Ocado. Ocado has discussed with them the idea of an IPO, so the company is supportive of it.”

Asked when a formal float announcement could be expected, the spokesperson added: “I understand [Ocado] are publishing their results next week so I suspect you might get more then.”

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