Fri, 25 Sep 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Bolton-headquartered electricals retailer AO World has acquired specialist camera retailer Jessops from Dragons' Den investor Peter Jones CBE, in a deal that completes the online group's move into the photography category.
The LSE-listed company did not disclose the purchase price, but said the acquisition was funded from its existing cash resources. The deal was confirmed alongside AO's pre-close trading update on 24 September 2026.
Founded in 1935, Jessops is one of the UK's best-known photography names. It now operates from just eight stores, having previously run more than 300 outlets before a rapid retreat from the high street.
The business turned over just under £20 million in the year to the end of September 2025, an increase of 6.5 per cent on the previous year, driven by rising online sales. It posted a loss of £1.1 million for the year.
The retailer has a turbulent recent history. It fell into administration in 2013 and was rescued by Peter Jones, who reopened dozens of shuttered stores. The company entered administration again in 2019 and for a third time in 2021.
Jessops also owns Camera Jungle, a recommerce business that buys and resells used photography equipment. AO said this operation was highly complementary to its existing musicMagpie business and would strengthen its circular economy credentials.
AO said the acquisition supported its strategy of expanding into adjacent categories, giving customers and members more reasons to shop with the group. It expects Jessops to grow over the next 12 months as it applies AO's scale, traffic and operational expertise to the business.
The deal is the latest in a run of acquisitions for AO, following its takeover of musicMagpie in December 2024.
John Roberts, Founder and Chief Executive at AO World, said: "It has been a busy first half of the year as we both buy and build more category capability, give more reasons to be an AO member and continue to build growth engines for the future. To that end 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."
The acquisition was announced as AO reported continued growth. For the six months to 30 September 2026, the group expects revenue up 5.5 per cent year on year and pre-tax profit up by more than 20 per cent to around £21.5 million, which it attributed to operational improvements in its mobile and musicMagpie businesses.
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