Marks & Spencer and Ocado are discussing a joint venture that could expand the retailer’s home-delivery operations and further shake up the rattled UK grocery sector.

UK online supermarket Ocado said investment in its partnership deals would hit short-term profits, while remaining tight-lipped about media reports of tie-up talks with Marks & Spencer.

Wholesale and retail company Musgrave is to “invest heavily” in online grocery shopping as Irish shoppers adjust their shopping habits, its chief executive has said.

Online grocer Ocado’s difficult start to life as a public company continued today after new sales growth figures failed to impress the City.

Online retailer Ocado is planning a flotation that will bring a €140m windfall for its three founders, it was reported today.