UK Dragon Theo Paphitis acquired the stationery retailer Ryman in 1995.
Ryman began as a stationery business in London and developed into a national chain selling office supplies, stationery and related products. Paphitis bought the company during the 1990s and used it as a major platform for his retail career.
His business profile later expanded through interests including retail brands and consumer businesses. He became widely recognised by television audiences after joining Dragons' Den, where he assessed entrepreneurs seeking investment and strategic help.
The year can be confused with dates connected to Paphitis’s other acquisitions or with Ryman’s founding history. The question refers specifically to his acquisition of Ryman, not the year the retailer was created. Ryman should also not be confused with the unrelated poet John Ryman or with office-supply brands that entered the UK market later.