Dragons' Den investor Theo Paphitis acquired the stationery retailer Ryman in 1995.
Paphitis was already an established retail entrepreneur when he bought Ryman, a British chain specialising in stationery, office supplies and related products. The acquisition became one of the defining steps in his business career and helped establish his reputation as a hands-on high-street retailer.
Ryman originated as a stationery business in London and later expanded into a national chain. Under Paphitis's ownership, the brand continued developing its shop network and product range. His retail interests also included other well-known British brands, which sometimes leads people to confuse Ryman with those businesses.
On Dragons' Den, Paphitis was recognised for his direct questioning and strong focus on retail fundamentals. The Ryman acquisition predates his television career and is a useful landmark in understanding how he became one of Britain's best-known retail investors.