Amazon in talks to buy 26% in Reliance Retail amid e-commerce firm's bid for foray into online food delivery business

Bengaluru: Amazon.com Inc is in exploratory talks with Reliance Industries Ltd-owned Reliance Retail for buying up to 26% stake in India’s biggest brick-and-mortar retailer, said a media report on Thursday. Talks began after Reliance’s negotiations with China’s Alibaba Group to sell a stake in the retail entity fell through due to differences overvaluation, reported The Economic Times citing two senior industry executives. [caption id=“attachment_4211203” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. AP.[/caption] However, there is no certainty the initial discussions will lead to a deal, according to the report. “As a policy, we do not comment on media speculation and rumours. Our company evaluates various opportunities on an ongoing basis,” Reliance Industries (RIL) said in a statement. Amazon declined to comment. The Seattle-based e-commerce giant has been engaged in a pitched battle for Indian market share against Walmart Inc’s Flipkart, with both companies announcing various plans to attract more customers in what is viewed as one of their most important growth markets. Reuters had reported on Monday that Amazon was planning a foray into the burgeoning online food delivery business in India this year.