Should multiple companies make formal bids for Boxed, the company could move through a quick auction process, the people said. Costco, Target and Germany's Aldi have also been mentioned as possible bidders among others, the people said, adding that initial offers likely range from $325 million to $500 million. Boxed had last raised money in 2016 at a valuation of $470 million, according to a Delaware filing under its corporate name, Giddy Inc. B2B will be larger than B2C [business-to-consumer] sales.”That growing office line of business is part of what makes Boxed attractive to Kroger and its rivals. After third parties quoted Boxed $30,000 per robot, the startup built its own for one-fifth the cost in 90 days.

Source: Forbes January 12, 2018 19:04 UTC