Vodafone buys Crazy John’s

Mobile phone outlet, Crazy John’s has been sold to Vodafone. The company, which was built from scratch by Turkish migrant John Ilhan is the second largest independent mobile phone retail group.

Mobile phone outlet, Crazy John’s has been sold to Vodafone. The company, which was built from scratch by Turkish migrant John Ilhan is the second largest independent mobile phone retail group.

The business has been sold by Patrica Ilhan, who took control of the business after her husband’s untimely death from a heart attack last October.

Just prior to his death, Ilhan moved the companies allegiances from Telstra to Vodafone after a costly court battle.

Crazy John’s is valued at $150 million although this includes at least $50 million in debt.

The deal was signed off by Vodafone’s senior management in Britain this week.

According to reports in the Australian, Vodafone Australia chief Russell Hewitt believed Ms Ilhan wanted to move on from Crazy John’s, and had negotiated to acquire her stake over the past couple of weeks.