Peachstate Hobby Distribution enters UK market with Bliss acquisition

A global distributor of collectable sports cards, board games and other hobby-related supplies has acquired UK-based competitor Bliss Distribution.

PKF Francis Clark supported Peachstate Hobby Distribution (PHD), one of the largest gaming distributors in the US, on the transaction by providing financial and tax due diligence.

The deal sees Blackburn-based Bliss become part of the PHD Group, which operates a wholesale distribution network for gaming and hobby products from six US locations, including headquarters in Florida, as well as sites in Sao Paolo and Hong Kong.

Working internationally and to a tight deadline, we were pleased to help our client complete this milestone transaction.

PKF Francis Clark’s transaction support team included Sam Phillips and Tom Slade, with tax advice provided by Adam Kefford and Callum West.

Transaction services director Sam Phillips said: “This acquisition represents the first foray into the lucrative UK and European market for Peachstate Hobby Distribution, which has the global scale and experience to build on Bliss Distribution’s success to date. Working internationally and to a tight deadline, we were pleased to help our client complete this milestone transaction.”

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 broker support for sports trading cards.”

Bliss director Cathryn Dunstan added: “I am incredibly proud of the growth that the company has achieved over recent years and the reputation 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.”

Read about more deals PKF Francis Clark has helped to make happen.