Collectables specialist Bliss acquired by Orlando firm

Blackburn-based Bliss Distribution, a specialist in collectable toys, games and trading cards, has been acquired by Peachstate Hobby Distribution of Orlando, USA.

PHD, like Bliss itself, is a global distributor of sports cards, entertainment cards, collectable card games, board games, miniatures, and hobby-related supplies.

Bliss becomes part of PHD Group, which operates six stateside locations, along with Coqui Hobby Distribution in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and PHD HK in Hong Kong.

Cathryn Dunstan, director of Bliss said, “I am incredibly proud of the growth that the company has achieved over recent years and the reputation that it has built within the toy and hobby sectors. As a result of this success, it became clear that the time had come for the business to be part of a larger organisation.

“PHD is the perfect company to take Bliss to the next level. The business has a wealth of experience that will ensure the company's continued growth and both the team and I are excited to be a part of the PHD family."

Jim Grant, managing director of PHD, said: "We could not be more excited to enter the UK and EU markets through this acquisition and feel we have the perfect match with Bliss. The staff have experience, passion and dedication to providing customers with the absolute best buying experience in Europe.

“The European sports card market is expanding and has enormous potential for growth. PHD plans to be on the forefront of providing retailer and breaker support for sports trading cards."

Bliss was advised by Beever and Struthers, led by corporate finance director Dean Curtis and supported by corporate finance assistant manager Patrick Wilson.

Dean Curtis said: “This acquisition represents the continued appetite for overseas buyers to invest in quality UK-based companies. From the outset, it was clear that PHD was a great fit for the business.

"PHD has acquired a fantastic business that will enhance its global footprint and product offering. Bliss has achieved significant growth over recent years and this transaction with PHD will see the business continue to scale over the years ahead."

Legal advice was provided by a team at Farleys led by corporate partner Debbie King, assisted by Amy Duncan and Victoria Mitchell on employment law aspects of the transaction and Olivia Hepworth on commercial property.

Debbie King added: “We were delighted to assist Cathryn with the sale of Bliss, having also assisted with the acquisition of the company five years ago. It has been a pleasure to see it develop into the hugely successful company it is today and we are excited to see what the future holds for it as part of PHD."

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