AO World buys camera retailer Jessops from Peter Jones
What's the deal? AO World has acquired camera retailer JessopsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from Dragons Den star Peter Jones for an undisclosed sum. The online electricals group funded the purchase from its "existing cash resources."
What's the endgame? AO World said the deal "supports our strategy of expanding into adjacent categories, giving customers and members more reasons to shop with AO and increase our share of wallet." It described Jessops as a "trusted brand" with "specialist expertise in cameras and optical technology."
The backstory: Founded in 1935, Jessops was rescued by Jones after it fell into administration in 2013. It then plunged into administration again in 2019 and a third time in 2021.
Where things stand: Jessops now runs just eight stores, down from more than 300 at its peak, after a rapid retreat from the high street. The chain turned over just under £20m in the year to the end of September 2025, up 6.5% and led by rising online sales, but posted a £1.1m loss.
By the numbers: AO World said on Thursday it expected a 5.5% rise in sales and a more than 20% jump in profit for the six months to the end of September, which it put down to improvements in its mobile and handset business.
"I am delighted to welcome Jessops into the AO family and look forward to growing the existing business as well as integrating the category into the wider AO business," said AO World founder and chief executive John Roberts.
The signal: The deal marks AO World's latest acquisition, following its takeover of Music Magpie in December 2024, as the online retailer builds out through struggling specialist brands. "We look forward to heading into peak trading with confidence and momentum behind us," Roberts said.
Read more: cityam.com
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