Vodafone Takes "Major Stake" in Australia's Crazy John's Phone Retailer

Vodafone Australia has taken a major stake in the local mobile phone retailer, Crazy John's after buying out the shares held by the wife of Crazy JohnÃ's founder the late John Ilhan. Financial terms were not disclosed or the size of the stake taken, other than it is "major".

Russell Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone Australia, said: "Vodafone is very pleased to confirm that Crazy JohnÃ's will become a significant part of VodafoneÃ's ongoing business strategy. Crazy JohnÃ's is a dynamic company with innovative, high-value products and services that continue to be relevant and appealing to Australian customers."

Patricia Ilhan, wife of Crazy JohnÃ's founder the late John Ilhan, said she was delighted by todayÃ's announcement from Vodafone because it ensures a strong future for Crazy JohnÃ's and its loyal and valuable staff and customers.

"On a personal level I know that John was excited when he struck a commercial arrangement with Vodafone last year," said Patricia Ilhan. "He knew he had found a dynamic partner for Crazy JohnÃ's to move forward. JohnÃ's belief has been vindicated in todayÃ's announcement.Ã'Ã'

The company has 120 retail outlets across Australia - while Vodafone operates some 200 outlets under its own brandname.

Crazy John's was originally a dealer for Telstra, with 500,000 customers providing close to 10 percent of Telstra's mobile revenue - but legal disputes between the two companies lead to a switch to supporting Vodafone via an MVNO in July 2007.

Posted to the site on 4th September 2008