Amazon weighs up Asos bid

It is understood that Amazon is eyeing the etailer as it looks to ramp up its fashion offer.

Sources told The Telegraph that Amazon inspected Asos’s books earlier this year and the US retailer’s founder Jeff Bezos’s interest was heightened when he met Asos boss Nick Robertson.

Earlier this month, Asos hired former Amazon UK managing director Brian McBride as its chairman. It is thought the fashion etailer has caught Amazon’s eye because of its track record of working with high-end brands, which the US giant has difficulty attracting to its site.

Some upmarket brands have been put off from partnering with Amazon for fear that selling alongside cut-price books, electricals and groceries may damage its perception with consumers.

Asos’s pre-tax profits before exceptionals increased by 43% to £40.9m and group revenue soared 46% to £495m for the year to March 31. It is expected to report a profit hike of more than 40% at its pro forma full-year results for the five months to August 31 on Thursday.

The profit jump has been stimulated by its soaring international business. The etailer is expected to reveal plans for its Chinese expansion on Thursday. It is understood the etailer has been beta-testing a site in the region.