Best Buy Europe was a retail joint venture owned by the United States-based electronics retailer Best Buy Inc and UK-based mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse. The company was formed by Best Buy's purchase of 50% of The Carphone Warehouse's retail division. Best Buy branded superstores opened in the UK beginning in April 30, 2010 with a store in Thurrock, Essex.Best Buy was due to open its first UK stores in 2009, but postponed this until 2010, with plans for up to 200 stores eventually.