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The Daily Insight Hub

Why has Walmart sold Asda?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on January 12, 2026

Walmart acquired Asda in 1999 for $10.8 billion in a bet to double the size of its international operations. But sales have largely struggled since then amid stiff competition from German discounters Aldi and Lidl and other rivals such as Tesco PLC and Sainsbury, pushing Walmart to pursue the sale.

What percentage of Asda does Walmart own?

In April 2018, Sainsbury’s and Walmart announced negotiations about a possible merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda, creating the largest supermarket chain in the UK. Under the plans, Walmart would own 42% of the combined business, which would be led by the existing chief executive of Sainsbury’s, Mike Coupe.

How much did Walmart sell Asda for?

Walmart has completed the sale of Asda Group Ltd. to the Issa brothers and investment funds managed by UK private equity firm TDR Capital. The deal had an enterprise value of £6.8 billion (approximately $8.8 billion) on a debt-free and cash-free basis.

Who are the new owners of Asda?

The billionaire brothers who built their fortunes from a Bury petrol station have now bought fast food chain Leon. Mohsin Issa and Zuber Issa, from Blackburn, began their business empire in 2001, when they bought a garage in Brandleshome Road – which still stands today.

How is the owner of Asda?

Walmart, the current owner of Asda, has contributed £500m of equity to retain a minority stake in its UK arm.

Who are the new owners of Asda from Walmart?

The Issa brothers and TDR Capital to acquire Asda, with equal shareholdings; Walmart to retain an ongoing equity investment The Issa brothers, together with TDR Capital, bring significant expertise in convenience retail and brand partnerships to help Asda serve a wider base of UK shoppers

What kind of programs do Walmart Asda have?

Taking into consideration the demands of the customers they now have launched certain programs like ASDA Price Guarantee. Not only this, but they also support charitable work such as Tommy’s and Orchid, Tickled Pink.

Who are the owners of Walmart in the UK?

Incidentally, the company unveiled that the U.K.-based tycoons, the Issa brothers (Mohsin and Zuber Issa), and TDR Capital have concluded the previously announced acquisition of a major stake in Walmart’s wholly-owned U.K. business, Asda.

How many employees does Asda have in the UK?

About Asda, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Asda is a UK retailer founded in 1949 serving around 19 million customers a week and currently employs more than 146,000 people across the UK.