Leeds law firm Gordons advises AO on Jessops takeover

Leeds-headquartered Gordons acted for Bolton retailer AO as it bought the camera chain Jessops from Dragons’ Den investor Peter Jones.

Leeds law firm Gordons has advised online electricals retailer AO on its acquisition of camera chain Jessops from Dragons’ Den investor Peter Jones CBE. Gordons, which has its head office in Leeds and employs 184 people, acted for the Bolton-based retailer on the deal, which AO completed in September for an undisclosed sum funded from its existing cash.

AO announced the purchase alongside its trading update on 24 September. Jessops brings expertise in cameras and optical technology, along with Camera Jungle, its business buying and selling pre-owned photography kit. AO says Camera Jungle fits closely with musicMagpie, the second-hand electronics business it bought in December 2024.

Why This Matters For Leeds

Gordons’ role on AO’s purchase of Jessops shows Leeds lawyers winning work on national consumer deals from clients based outside Yorkshire. For the city’s corporate lawyers, long client relationships like this one keep listed-company transactions in Leeds rather than London. Each mandate of this kind strengthens the city’s case as a base for retail and consumer deal advice.

Leeds firm Gordons involvement in the deal

A multidisciplinary Gordons team led by corporate partner James Fawcett gave corporate, commercial property and commercial contracts advice on the transaction. Partners Sarah Ratcliffe and Lauren Wills-Dixon worked on the deal alongside lawyers Matt Watson, Rebecca Moon and Will Powell.

The firm has acted for AO since 2018.

Julie Finnemore, company secretary and legal director at AO, said: “Jessops is a great addition to the AO family and an important step in our strategy of expanding into complementary categories.” She added: “Gordons were a trusted partner throughout the transaction.”

James Fawcett said: “This is an excellent strategic acquisition for AO.”

“I am delighted to welcome Jessops into the AO family and look forward to growing the existing business as well as integrating the category into the wider AO business.”

John Roberts, Founder and CEO, AO

A growing list of national retail clients

For Leeds law firm Gordons, the mandate adds a national retail deal to a client list that already includes Iceland Foods, Morrisons, Ocado Retail and Wren Kitchens, as well as Molson Coors and Morley-headquartered parcel firm Evri. Earlier this month the firm was appointed by builders’ merchant MKM. In September it reported a sixth consecutive year of growth.

Jessops was founded in Leicester in 1935 and was bought out of administration by Peter Jones in 2013. AO expects the business to grow over the next 12 months as it uses its scale, web traffic and operational expertise to drive efficiencies. AO founder and chief executive John Roberts said the group planned to grow the existing business while folding the photography category into the wider AO operation.

AO said the purchase supports its strategy of expanding into adjacent categories and giving customers and AO Members more reasons to shop with it. The retailer expects to publish half-year results on 24 November 2026.