AO World buys struggling Jessops camera chain from Dragons' Den star Peter Jones in fresh retail push
From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.
Online retailer AO World has acquired Jessops from Dragons' Den investor Peter Jones, funded entirely from its existing cash reserves with no price disclosed. The photography chain, founded in 1935, collapsed into administration three times — in 2013, 2019 and 2021 — and now trades from just eight stores, down from more than 300 at its peak. AO founder John Roberts said the deal expands the company's range and integrates camera and optical technology into its wider offering. Jessops turned over just under £20m in the year to September 2025, posting a loss of £1.1m.
Peter Jones rescued Jessops after its first collapse in 2013, reopening shuttered stores before two further administrations followed in 2019 and 2021.
AO World reported a 5.5 per cent sales rise and more than 20 per cent profit jump for the six months to September, driven by its mobile and handset business.
The Jessops deal follows AO's takeover of Music Magpie in December 2024, marking a clear push into new retail categories beyond its core appliances business.