UK-based online retailer Phones4u has bought its rival Dial-a-Phone for $18 million. Dial-a-Phone sold about 121,000 mobile phone contracts last year and employs a staff of about 300. Phones4u was, until recently, part of the Caudwell group, but was acquired by Providence Equity Partners in 2006.

Phones4u CEO Tim Whiting explained the synergies between the two companies: "Dial-a-Phone's strong brand and high level of expertise in the direct market are a perfect complement to Phones4u's brand and strength on the High Street."

For more on the online retail deal:
- read this article from Cellular-News