Gordons advises AO on acquisition of photography retailer Jessops
Monday 2nd November 2026
Gordons has advised longstanding client and the UK’s most trusted electricals retailer AO on its acquisition of leading specialist photography retailer Jessops from BBC Dragons’ Den star, Peter Jones CBE.
A multi-disciplinary team from Gordons led by corporate partner, James Fawcett, advised on the deal.
Gordons has worked with AO since 2018 and provided an integrated combination of corporate, commercial property and commercial contracts advice on the transaction.
This was delivered by partners Sarah Ratcliffe and Lauren Wills-Dixon, alongside lawyers Matt Watson, Rebecca Moon and Will Powell.
Commenting on the deal and Gordons’ involvement, AO’s company secretary and legal director, Julie Finnemore, said: “Jessops is a great addition to the AO family and an important step in our strategy of expanding into complementary categories. Gordons were a trusted partner throughout the transaction.
“They are highly commercial, responsive and pragmatic, with a real understanding of our business and how we approach risk.
“Their ability to maintain momentum, navigate complex issues and stay focused on achieving the right outcome was invaluable in helping us complete the acquisition successfully.”
Jessops was founded in Leicester in 1935 and became the UK’s most recognised photographic retailer. The business was acquired by Peter Jones’s investment vehicle, PJ Investment Group, in 2013.
In addition to Jessops’ trusted brand and specialist expertise in cameras and optical technology, its recommerce business, Camera Jungle, complements AO’s existing MusicMagpie operations and strengthens its circular economy credentials.
Gordons’ James Fawcett added: “This is an excellent strategic acquisition for AO. Jessops is an iconic British retail brand that will give customers and members more reasons to shop with AO, and is another example of the business expanding into adjacent categories.
“We are delighted to have worked with the AO team to achieve a successful outcome.”
For further information on Gordons’ corporate and M&A team, click here.
