Key facts
- AO World has acquired camera retailer Jessops from Peter Jones.
- The acquisition is funded by AO World's existing cash resources.
- AO World expects pre-tax profit to rise more than 20% to approximately £21.5 million for the six months to September 30.
- Group revenue is expected to grow 5.5% in the first half.
- Jessops brings specialist expertise in cameras and optical kit, and its recommerce business, Camera Jungle, complements AO's musicMagpie operations.
AO World has acquired the camera retailer Jessops from entrepreneur Peter Jones, who had rescued the chain from administration over a decade ago. The deal, funded from existing cash, is part of AO World's strategy to expand into adjacent product categories and increase its share of customer spending. Jessops brings specialist expertise in cameras and optical equipment, while its recommerce arm, Camera Jungle, is seen as complementary to AO's existing musicMagpie business.
AO World reported that for the six months to September 30, 2026, group revenue is expected to grow 5.5% year-on-year, reaching approximately £21.5 million. This represents a profit increase of over 20% compared to the same period last year. The company anticipates ending the period with over £200 million in liquidity headroom, after paying a £10 million dividend and completing half of a £10 million share buyback program.
Despite the strong first-half performance, AO World's full-year profit expectations remain unchanged due to planned strategic investments, including a new enterprise software system, and a more challenging comparative environment expected in the second half of the year.