AO World acquires Jessops while maintaining annual guidance

AO World completed the acquisition of photography retailer Jessops from Peter Jones, with financial terms undisclosed. The purchase includes Camera Jungle, adding used-camera capabilities alongside AO’s existing musicMagpie resale operation. The deal broadens its specialist-electronics offering rather than representing a new forecast of the acquired business’s financial contribution.

AO expects first-half pre-tax profit of approximately £21.5 million, up 20%, with revenue growth of around 5.5%. It maintained its full-year outlook against market expectations of £53.5–55.8 million in profit, compared with £50.5 million previously reported for fiscal 2026. Management highlighted planned investment and more demanding second-half comparisons. The stronger interim performance therefore does not yet translate into an upgraded annual earnings forecast.

Sources:

• Alliance News / AJ Bell — Jessops purchase and AO trading