Netto arrived in the United Kingdom in December 1990, as part of an internationalisation process by its Danish owner, Salling Group.

In June 2014, Salling Group returned Netto to the United Kingdom, as a 50:50 joint venture with Sainsbury's.

In July 2016, the two companies announced they would end the joint venture, and close all of its stores, after Sainsbury's chose to focus on its main business ahead of any further investment.

[1] Netto began operating in England in Leeds, on 13 December 1990, with the company's United Kingdom headquarters being in the town of South Elmsall, West Yorkshire.

In January 2005, plans for a £200 million investment in South Wales were announced, but were cancelled for logistical issues, resulting in the sale of stores in Barry and Caerphilly.

There were proposals for the store to be turned into offices, whilst the car park was developed into Broad Street Plaza, an entertainment complex.