The third largest mobile phone retailer in UK has its sights set on Intek communication and expanding its retail estate to over 100 shops in the coming year
The independent mobile phone dealer based in Midlands, Go Mobile is contemplating to embrace an expansion plan in 2010. The dealer has its eyes set on expanding its retail estate to over 100 shops in 2010 following the purchase of fellow retailer and Intek Communications for an undisclosed amount. Go Mobile has divulged that post the Intek deal, the retailer is looking forward to increase its store count by 24 shops in the South West.
Presently, Go Mobile has 80 shops that are sprawled all over UK. With this count, the retailer proudly assumes the position of third biggest independent mobile phone retail footprint in the country. While Carphone warehouse and Phones4U take the first and second position respectively.
Nil Naik, Go Mobile managing director said: “We have great innovation coupled with national marketing planned for 2010. We will expand the estate further to over 100 shops and take advantage of some industry wide changes next year.”
Manny Hussain, Intek managing director said: “This creates a unified brand of some 80 retail shops and makes absolute commercial sense for us. It provides better security and terms for our retail people and secures their futures.
“We will retain a shareholding interest but it will allow Intek to focus in 2010 on our online businesses and on our corporate sales arm, Simple Mobile Solutions – areas where we have made great strides in 2009.”
Iain Humphrey, chief executive of Go Mobile parent Shebang, said: “This decision caps off a fine year for us. It is an obvious decision and a good fit for us giving Go Mobile a nationwide brand and presence.”
Humphrey added: “Having worked closely with Intek for a considerable number of years, I felt it to be a great addition to the Go Mobile chain, which enjoyed a fantastic recovery in the last 12 months under Nil Naik and his team and invigorated our interest in retail.
“We have learnt a great deal through our experience from working closely with Orange Retail and this has equipped us to deliver the highest quality with good numbers into 2010 and beyond. We have some big ambitions and a fantastic opportunity. I now believe that a lot of people within Intek will achieve great success in this new environment and welcome them to Go Mobile”.