Delta Two, the Qatar-backed private equity group looking to buy Sainsbury’s, looks ready to change the structure of its proposed takeover bid to win over the UK retailer’s board.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

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

Find out more


The fund is understood to be prepared to raise the equity element of its GBP10.6bn (US$21.5bn) planned offer to assuage fears among Sainsbury’s management that its proposal is too highly leveraged.


So far, Delta Two has indicated that it would fund the offer with an investment of GBP4.6bn in equity and shares. The fund plans to fund the balance through securing debt finance of some GBP6bn.


However, the fund seems prepared to raise the equity element of its proposal by GBP500m in an attempt to gain access to Sainsbury’s books.


Sainsbury’s is understood to have been wary of Delta Two’s original proposal, fearing that the level of debt would make it difficult for the retailer to invest and compete with larger local rivals Tesco and Asda.

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

Talks between Sainsbury’s and Delta Two, the retailer’s largest shareholder with a 25% stake, are ongoing.


Both sides refused to comment when contacted by just-food today (10 September).

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact