Theo Paphitis acquired the British stationery retailer Ryman in 1995.
Paphitis had already built a business career in retail and property before becoming a Dragon. His purchase of Ryman gave him control of a well-known high-street stationery chain, which he subsequently expanded and developed as part of his retail interests.
On Dragons’ Den, Paphitis was associated with practical retail advice and deals involving consumer products. He joined the UK panel in the programme’s early years and became one of its most recognisable investors.
Ryman is often mixed up with other stationery chains, particularly WHSmith and Paperchase. Those businesses are separate retailers. The question refers specifically to the company Paphitis bought in 1995, rather than to a brand in which he later invested on television.