Farleys Solicitors has advised the owners of Bliss Distribution Limited on the sale of the business to US company Peachstate Hobby Distribution LLC (PHD).

Blackburn-based Bliss is a leading UK-based distributor of trading cards, toys, games, and collectibles to businesses across the globe. The deal has seen the business become part of PHD Group, a global distributor of sports cards, entertainment cards, collectible card games, board games, miniatures, and hobby-related supplies.

Bliss Managing Director Cathryn Dunstan was advised on the legal aspects of the deal by a team at Farleys led by Corporate Partner Debbie King. Debbie was assisted by Amy Duncan, alongside Victoria Mitchell on the employment law aspects and Olivia Hepworth advising on commercial property. The finance aspects were advised by Beever and Struthers Corporate Finance, led by Dean Curtis (Corporate Finance Director) supported by Patrick Wilson (Corporate Finance Assistant Manager).

Cathryn Dunstan, Director of Bliss said: “I am incredibly proud of the growth that the company has achieved over recent years and the reputation that it has built within the toy & hobby sectors. As a result of this success, it became clear that the time had come for the business to be part of a larger organisation. PHD are the perfect company to take Bliss to the next level. They have a wealth of experience that will ensure the companies continued growth and both the team and I are excited to be a part of the PHD family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our suppliers, customers & the team at Bliss as without their support this would not have been possible.

Cathryn also added,

I would also like to express my thanks to Beever and Struthers & Farleys for their help, support and advice.   They worked tirelessly to ensure that the sale completed as smoothly as possible which enabled me to remain focused on running the business throughout the process.

Debbie added: “We were delighted to assist Cathryn with the sale of Bliss, having also assisted with the acquisition of the company five years ago.  It has been a pleasure to see it develop into the hugely successful company it is today and we are excited to see what the future holds for it as part of PHD.  We wish everyone involved the best of luck.”

Dean Curtis of Beever and Struthers added: “This acquisition represents the continued appetite for overseas buyers to invest in quality UK based companies.  PHD has acquired a fantastic business that will enhance its global footprint and product offering.  From the outset, it was clear that PHD was a great fit for the business.  Bliss has achieved significant growth over recent years and this transaction with PHD will see the business continue to scale over the years ahead”.

Jim Grant, Managing Director of PHD said:  “We could not be more excited to enter the UK and EU markets through this acquisition and feel we have the perfect match with Bliss. The staff have experience, passion, and dedication to providing customers the absolute best buying experience in Europe. The European sports card market is expanding and has enormous potential for growth. PHD plans to be on the forefront of providing retailer and breaker support for sports trading cards.”

To speak to one of our corporate law specialists about the sale or acquisition of a business please call 0845 287 0939 or complete our online contact form and a member of the team will get in touch.