Walmart is negotiating the purchase of startup company R&A Data, CNBC and other news outlets recently reported.

R&A Data works to reduce scams and counterfeits on online marketplaces, according to people familiar with the matter and records reviewed by CNBC.

The startup's web site has been offline and Walmart hasn't commented.

The potential purchase comes as the Bentonville-based retailer prepares to turn over the chief executive officer position to John Furner on the retirement of CEO Doug McMillon.

Walmart's marketplace for third-party products is a growing segment of the company and a significant part of the retailer's e-commerce expansion. Walmart's U.S. e-commerce sales rose 28% in the third quarter compared to the same quarter in 2024.

The expanding number of products available

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