# Sainsbury’s sells Argos to Swift Partners retail specialists

By Russ Mould — 2026-07-31

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: “Shoppers often head to Argos looking for cut-price deals and it looks like Sainsbury’s is having to cut one of its own to jettison the general merchandise business.

“Having tried to sell last year to Chinese e-commerce group JD, a deal now looks likely to go through as it agrees a £120 million price tag with Swift Partners – a new venture backed by experienced UK retail executives.

“As a reminder Sainsbury’s bought Argos’ parent Home Retail Group for some £1.4 billion nearly 10 years ago as it sought to diversify out of groceries.

“As often seems to be the case with UK supermarkets, Sainsbury’s has cycled between trying to cover lots of different areas and a focus on the core activity of selling food and essentials to households. Right now, there is a pronounced swing to the latter.

“Argos’ weak and inconsistent sales have been an impediment to the business and the price agreed with Swift Partners reflects that. The market reaction indicates investors are relieved the situation has been resolved.”

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