Founded in 2000, the independently-owned and award-winning online retailer is seeking a buyer to support the Company in achieving its international expansion ambitions.
In the financial year ending 31st March 2012, Mobile Fun’s total revenue exceeded £10 million. For year ending 31st March 2013, the Company is on course to launch 20 new countries and hit sales of £12+ million with a predicted EBITDA of £1.2 million.
Managing Director Mohammed Hussain aims to build the business to achieve £25 million annual retail sales by 2017, with accelerated international expansion a central part of his strategy.
Mohammed Hussain commented: “We typically receive several approaches a year from both private equity and trade buyers in the UK and from overseas. We feel that the timing is now right to find new shareholders for our growing and profitable online business. Our sophisticated online retail platform, combined with expertise in international e-commerce and mobile device accessories is unrivalled. Our website traffic is a testament to our success - with a record 3.1 million visits in September 2012. With the right investment, we will further strengthen our market position and be ready to grow exponentially in the expanding smart devices market.
Mohammed continued: “During this process, it’s business as usual at Mobile Fun as our team is working on a record Christmas quarter. We’re already experiencing increased sales, following the release of the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, as well as a number of other hero tablets and smart phones.”
Andy Clarke, from Altium Capital in Manchester, said: “Mobile Fun is a high growth potential company operating in a very attractive market which has proved remarkably resilient to the current economic conditions. As Mobile Fun presents a unique opportunity, we anticipate initial discussions with potential new shareholders taking place before Christmas. If a suitable party emerges, an agreement could be in place by early 2013.”
Mobile Fun operates in an expanding sector, with analysts including ABI Research[1] predicting that by 2017, smartphone accessories will grow to $38 billion in revenues, while feature phone accessory revenues decline to $12 billion. As the UK’s leading online retailer of accessories for mobiles, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices, Mobile Fun offers over 6,500 products and ships to 50+ countries.
The retailer has a firm foothold in the UK through MobileFun.co.uk and complementary brands including GearZap.com, GamingZap.com and LoveCases.co.uk.
Mobile Fun’s strategy of launching dedicated localised websites with native language speaking customer service is paying dividends, with international sales jumping by 161% in the last financial year. Mobile Fun now has international presence in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong Ireland, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the USA. The retailer also operates offices in France, Germany, Spain and the USA.