Who Owns Ocado?
Many UK shoppers assume Ocado is owned by a major supermarket like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Marks & Spencer (M&S), but that’s not the case. While Ocado does have a partnership with M&S, it operates as an independent publicly traded company with multiple shareholders, including institutional investors, individual stakeholders, and strategic partners.
So, who actually owns Ocado? Is it a supermarket chain, an investment firm, or a mix of shareholders? This article will explore Ocado’s ownership structure, its relationship with M&S, and how it differentiates itself from traditional supermarkets.
Is Ocado Owned by a Supermarket?
Ocado’s Independent Status
Unlike Tesco, Asda, or Sainsbury’s, Ocado is not owned by any supermarket chain. Instead, it operates as an online grocery retailer and a global technology provider.
- Ocado is listed on the London Stock Exchange (Ticker: OCDO).
- It is not owned by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Morrisons.
- It operates independently, with multiple shareholders controlling its stock.
Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) Stake in Ocado
In 2019, M&S acquired a 50% stake in Ocado Retail for £750 million, replacing Waitrose as Ocado’s main grocery supplier.
- M&S owns half of Ocado’s grocery retail business but does not own Ocado Group.
- The partnership allowed M&S to enter the online grocery market.
- Ocado Retail now sells M&S products alongside branded groceries.
Despite this major deal, Ocado remains an independent business, with its operations extending far beyond M&S.
Who Are Ocado’s Major Shareholders?
As a publicly traded company, Ocado’s ownership is divided among institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual stakeholders.
Top Shareholders in Ocado (2024 Estimates)
| Shareholder | Stake in Ocado (%) | Type |
| BlackRock | ~10% | Institutional Investor |
| Baillie Gifford | ~8% | Investment Management |
| Marks & Spencer (M&S) | 50% (Ocado Retail Only) | Strategic Partner |
| Retail & Institutional Investors | ~70% (Collectively) | Public Market |
Ocado’s Founders & Leadership Influence
- Tim Steiner (CEO & Co-Founder) remains a key figure in Ocado’s business strategy.
- The Ocado Board of Directors oversees operations, major investments, and global expansion.
With a mix of large institutional investors and retail shareholders, Ocado is not controlled by a single entity, making it distinct from supermarket-owned grocery services.
Ocado’s Business Model & Global Expansion
1. Ocado Retail (Joint Venture with M&S)
- Ocado Retail operates Ocado.com, one of the UK’s largest online grocery delivery platforms.
- It sells M&S-branded groceries, branded products, and Ocado’s own-label items.
2. Ocado Solutions (Technology & Logistics Business)
- Ocado develops and licenses robotic warehouse technology to supermarkets worldwide.
- It provides AI-driven logistics solutions for major global retailers, including:
| Supermarket Partner | Country | Technology Provided |
| Kroger | USA | Automated Fulfillment Centers |
| Coles | Australia | AI-Driven Grocery Warehousing |
| Sobeys | Canada | Smart Warehouse Solutions |
| Casino Group | France | Online Grocery Logistics |
3. Ocado’s Stock Performance & Market Position
- Ocado’s stock price has fluctuated due to its transition from an online retailer to a technology company.
- The company has invested heavily in AI-driven automation, making it a global leader in grocery logistics.
FAQs About Ocado’s Ownership
1. Is Ocado owned by Marks & Spencer?
- No, M&S owns 50% of Ocado Retail but does not own Ocado Group.
2. Can the public buy shares in Ocado?
- Yes, Ocado is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (Ticker: OCDO), and its shares are available for investment.
3. Does Ocado own physical supermarkets?
- No, Ocado operates entirely online and does not have physical grocery stores like Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
