Bedding firm that works with brands from Lego to Peppa Pig is acquired by American group

A Stockport company that works with brands from Lego to Peppa Pig has been acquired by an American group in a deal bosses say will create “significant growth opportunities”.

Licensed homeware products business Character World Brands has been acquired by Dallas-based Bioworld Merchandising, which is aiming to grow in Europe.

Bioworld says it is now “exploring additional strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships”.

Cheadle Hulme-based Character World also works with leading Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United, as well as with PlayStation, the NFL and Minecraft.

James Walker, CEO of Character World Brands, said: "Joining Bioworld’s impressive ecosystem will accelerate our growth, allowing us to leverage its scale and support to reach more consumers with our comprehensive home solution.

“We will look to strengthen our home textiles offering as well as continue the growth of our new segments in hardlines that launched in 2025. As a team, we are delighted to become part of a global business that shares the same values and ambitions.”

Raj Malik, CEO of Bioworld said: "This is a partnership that represents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both companies. By leveraging our global reach and product expertise, we can create significant growth opportunities. This new venture aligns closely with our business and delivers exceptional value for our shared customers while increasing our footprint in the EU.”

The value of the Character World deal has not been disclosed. The UK company’s shareholders were advised by Grant Thornton’s team led by corporate finance partners Pete Terry and Matthew Bryden-Smith and assisted by Cariad Lightfoot, Ammen Arya and Tilly Das-Gupta.

Mr Bryden Smith said: "Character World Brands has an excellent tradition in the licensed brands market place and long-established partnerships with some of the world's best-known companies, making it an ideal strategic acquisition for Bioworld Merchandising, which is looking to accelerate its growth in the UK and Europe."

Gateley Legal as the legal advisor to Character World Brands.