Gadget insurance giant Assurant has bought repair chain iSmash and its 38 retail locations.
iSmash had been looking for a sale for several months after its auditors put up a red flag over its future prospects as losses mounted to nearly £6 million, mainly due to the effects of Covid lockdowns and the new culture of Work From Home.
Assurant already has a chain of drop-in repair outlets with its Pocket Geek Tech Repair brand. The iSmash acquisition means it now has 68 locations staffed with accredited tech repair staff. iSmash will continue to operate under that brand.
Assurant Europe president Christian Formby said: “By integrating iSmash’s drop-in repair services and local device care facility, we can offer our customers more convenient and faster options to get their devices fixed. This will enhance our mobile offerings and create more value for our clients and consumers.”
iSmash CEO Chris Murton added: “We are excited to join Assurant as it shares our passion for delivering exceptional value and service to clients and customers”.
iSmash was launched 10 years ago by entrepreneur Julian Shovlin (below). Four years ago, Sky purchased a minority stake with the plan to open some co-located stores together. A year later, Canadian comms giant Telus Corporation took control of the company.”
