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Assurant Acquires Leading UK Tech Repair Retailer, iSmash

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Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) acquires iSmash, the UK's leading tech repair brand, expanding its drop-in repair network to 68 locations. The acquisition aims to enhance mobile device solutions for customers and strengthen Assurant's position in the UK market.
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Insights

The acquisition of iSmash by Assurant, Inc. represents a strategic move to consolidate the company's presence in the UK's tech repair market. By integrating iSmash's 38 retail locations, Assurant not only expands its geographical footprint but also enhances its service offerings. This move could potentially increase Assurant's market share in the mobile equipment service and protection sector. The acquisition is likely to lead to operational synergies, as Assurant can leverage iSmash's expertise and established customer base to streamline services and improve customer experience.

From a market perspective, Assurant's strengthened position in the UK could serve as a competitive advantage against other players in the tech repair space. The company's ability to provide quick and convenient repair services is a key differentiator that can attract new customers and retain existing ones. This is particularly significant in an era where consumers are increasingly reliant on mobile devices and thus, quick repair turnaround times are highly valued.

Assurant's acquisition of iSmash is likely to have a positive impact on its financial performance. The immediate effect on Assurant's earnings will depend on the financial health and profitability of iSmash. If iSmash is already profitable, it could be accretive to earnings from the outset. However, if it requires significant investment to integrate into Assurant's existing operations, there might be a short-term financial impact before realizing the long-term benefits.

Investors should monitor the post-acquisition performance closely, focusing on key metrics such as revenue growth, cost synergies and return on investment. The ability of Assurant to successfully integrate and realize the full value of iSmash's operations will be critical in determining the financial success of this acquisition. It will be important to compare these metrics to industry norms to gauge performance accurately.

The acquisition taps into evolving consumer behaviors, where convenience and speed in tech repair services are increasingly prioritized. Assurant's move to acquire iSmash aligns with a consumer trend towards valuing time-saving services that minimize disruption in their connected lives. The enhanced convenience of having more locations for drop-in repairs caters to the immediacy that modern consumers seek.

Moreover, the trust factor plays a significant role in the tech repair industry. By acquiring a well-established brand like iSmash, Assurant may inherit and build upon the existing customer trust and brand loyalty. This could lead to increased customer retention rates and positive word-of-mouth referrals, which are invaluable in the service industry.

Acquisition provides additional scale and expertise within drop-in mobile equipment service and protection markets

CREWE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases, today announced the acquisition of iSmash, the UK’s leading independent tech repair brand, offering express drop-in repair services for smartphones, tablets and laptops. Founded in 2013, iSmash has grown to 38 convenient retail locations with 152 employees across the UK.

The acquisition of iSmash allows Assurant to further scale and strengthen its drop-in repair leadership position. Under the iSmash and Pocket Geek Tech Repair banners, Assurant now has the strongest drop-in repair network in the UK with 68 locations staffed with highly trained and accredited tech repair specialists. This combined retail footprint is further supported by Assurant’s existing mobile capabilities, which include a local device care facility for mail-in repair.

“We are thrilled to welcome iSmash to Assurant to strengthen our position as a leading provider of mobile device solutions in the UK,” said Christian Formby, president of Assurant Europe. "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.”

“We are excited to join Assurant as it shares our passion for delivering exceptional value and service to clients and customers,” said Chris Murton, CEO, iSmash. “Together, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the UK mobile industry and create lasting value for customers in need of fast, reliable, convenient, drop-in repair services.”

iSmash will continue to operate as iSmash under the Assurant Global Connected Living line of business.

About Assurant

Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a leading global business services company that supports, protects and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative solutions and to deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products and other products.

Learn more at assurant.com.

About iSmash

Launched in 2013 by entrepreneur Julian Shovlin, iSmash is the UK’s leading high street tech repair provider, experts in the express repair of smartphones, tablets, and computers. Established to fill the gap in the market for a trusted device repair solution across the UK, iSmash has quickly expanded to 38 drop-in service centres across the UK – including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow. iSmash is on a mission to provide a trusted and convenient solution to the nation’s device repair problem. With over 1.6 million customers to date, iSmash has established itself as the leader in the tech repair market in the UK.

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Investor Relations:

Sean Moshier

Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations

sean.moshier@assurant.com

Media:

Lorraine Doherty

Director, International Communication

lorraine.doherty@assurant.com

Source: Assurant, Inc.

FAQ

What company acquired iSmash?

Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) acquired iSmash.

What is iSmash known for?

iSmash is known for offering express drop-in repair services for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

How many retail locations does iSmash have?

iSmash has 38 convenient retail locations across the UK.

What is the total number of locations under Assurant after the acquisition?

Assurant now has a total of 68 locations under the iSmash and Pocket Geek Tech Repair banners.

Who is the CEO of iSmash?

Chris Murton is the CEO of iSmash.

Assurant, Inc.

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