Retailers seem to be circling around the e-commerce site Boxed, according to multiple reports.
Speculation has swirled in recent weeks, starting with a report by Forbes on January 12 that Kroger and rivals were looking seriously at buying or investing in the company. Forbes said a deal could be worth up to $500 million, more than Boxed’s latest valuation of $470 million.
No deals have been finalized yet, though the New York Post reported on January 19 that Boxed is in “advanced negotiations” with Kroger.
Boxed could raise additional capital if a deal isn’t reached for an acquisition, Forbes reported. The Post also reported that General Mills and Bed Bath & Beyond were interested in investing in Boxed.
Boxed is billed as the millennial-friendly alternative to wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. A club-based system without the membership fee, Boxed offers items in bulk, ranging from household brands and its Prince & Spring private label to services like hotel booking.
Boxed was founded in 2013 and is about to grow to five distribution centers across the country with $100 million in yearly sales and nearly 300 employees. It has raised over $132 million in investment, including a $100 million round in 2016.
Both Boxed and Kroger declined to comment on this story.
This article was originally published on Business Insider. Copyright 2018.
