Dragon's Den investor Theo Paphitis acquired Ryman in 1995.
Ryman is a British stationery retailer. Paphitis became its owner during a period when the chain was being developed as a specialist high-street business. The company sells stationery, office supplies, cards and related products through shops and online channels.
Paphitis later became known for investments in several consumer and retail businesses, as well as for appearing as a Dragon on the BBC programme. His background helps explain why his questions on the show often focus on margins, distribution, retail pricing and the practicality of scaling a product.
Ryman is not the same company as WHSmith or Paperchase. Those are separate British stationery and bookselling names, although all operate in overlapping parts of the retail market.