Qatar lets go of Sainsbury’s after nearly twenty years

Qatar Investment Authority reduces its stake in Sainsbury’s by almost 4%, losing its position as largest shareholder after almost twenty years. In 2007, there was still talk of a possible takeover.

From a quarter to 6%

The Qatari’s stake drops from 10.48% to 6.82%, now that the investment vehicle has sold shares worth around £265.5 million. The sovereign wealth fund entered Sainsbury’s share capital in 2007: with a 25% stake, there was briefly talk of a takeover attempt, but this was ultimately called off.