Online retailer AO World has completed a deal to acquire camera retailer Jessops from Dragons' Den investor Peter Jones. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but AO World stated it was funded using its existing cash resources.
AO World's founder and chief executive, John Roberts, said the deal supports the company's strategy of expanding into adjacent categories. He added that Jessops brings a trusted brand and specialist expertise in cameras and optical technology.
Jessops, founded in 1935, has faced financial challenges, entering administration in 2013, 2019, and 2021. The company currently operates from eight stores, a significant reduction from its previous network of over 300. Its latest accounts show a turnover of just under £20m for the year ending September 2025, an increase of 6.5% on the previous year, driven by rising online sales. The firm posted a loss of £1.1m for the year.
This acquisition follows AO World's takeover of Music Magpie in December 2024. AO World also announced expectations of a 5.5% increase in sales and a more than 20% jump in profit for the six months to the end of September, attributing this to improvements in its mobile and handset business.