Comet returns as an online marketplace under OnBuy ownership

What happened?

1. Comet relaunched as an online-only specialist electricals marketplace after OnBuy acquired the brand in 2025, according to Retail Week and This is Money
2. Retail Gazette reported the relaunch followed a £10m investment
3. Comet collapsed into administration in November 2012 after OpCapita bought the 236-store chain for a nominal £1 in 2011, according to This is Money
4. Around 7,000 people were employed by the chain at the time of the 2011 sale, and This is Money puts the taxpayer bill from the collapse at approximately £50m in unpaid taxes and redundancy costs
5. OnBuy founder and chief executive Cas Paton told This is Money he is not ruling out a return to British high streets and is exploring partnerships, but said recreating the old stores is not the answer
6. OnBuy has said it aims to be a 'serious challenger' to Amazon and Currys and last year set out plans to revive Comet as an online marketplace

Comet, the electricals chain that collapsed in November 2012, has been relaunched as an online-only specialist marketplace by OnBuy, which acquired the brand in 2025. Retail Gazette reported the relaunch followed a £10m investment, and OnBuy founder Cas Paton told This is Money a return to British high streets is not being ruled out as partner discussions continue.

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