Dragons' Den investor Theo Paphitis acquired the Ryman retail chain in 1995.
Ryman is a British retailer specialising in stationery, office supplies, cards and related products. Paphitis acquired the company during his expansion in the retail sector and later became closely associated with its modern development.
Paphitis joined the Dragons' Den panel in the programme's second series. His business interests made him particularly associated with retail, branding and high-street operations, although his career also included investments in other sectors.
Ryman is sometimes confused with WHSmith because both are familiar British high-street stationery retailers. The distinction is important: Paphitis acquired Ryman, while WHSmith is a separate company with its own corporate history. Paphitis also became chairman of Millwall Football Club, another notable part of his public business profile.