AO World announced the completion of its acquisition of camera retailer Jessops, which the company purchased from investor Peter Jones. The transaction included all remaining seven physical store locations across the United Kingdom, with the deal funded through AO’s existing cash reserves.
The acquisition aligns with AO’s strategic objective to diversify beyond its core product categories—white goods, mobile phones, and televisions—into complementary electrical goods segments. AO World characterized the move as supporting its expansion into adjacent markets while providing customers with expanded shopping options. The company highlighted that Jessops brings established brand recognition and specialized knowledge in cameras and optical technologies to its portfolio.
As part of the transaction, AO also gains Camera Jungle, Jessops’ secondary business focused on buying and selling pre-owned digital cameras, lenses, and photography equipment. The company indicated this operation would integrate well with its existing musicMagpie division, which trades in used electronics and media. AO acquired musicMagpie in December 2024.
Jessops has faced significant operational challenges in recent years, entering administration on three separate occasions since the mid-2010s. Jones’s investment group purchased the business out of administration in 2013. Recent financial filings showed the retailer generated £19.8 million in revenue last year with a pre-tax loss of £1 million. AO expressed confidence in expanding Jessops’ performance over the coming 12 months by applying its operational infrastructure, website traffic, and business expertise to the acquired brand.
AO World founder and chief executive John Roberts stated he was pleased to incorporate Jessops into the company and anticipated growing both the existing operations and expanding the product category throughout AO’s broader business structure.
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