Clearwater International advises Character World on €46m secondary management buyout

Clearwater International has advised Character World, a licensed bedding specialist, on a €46m secondary management buyout backed by Palatine Private Equity.

Character World provides licensed bedding and other homeware-related products to a range of age groups from pre-school children to students. The firm works with some of the world's most iconic gaming, character and music entertainment companies and acquires the UK product licensing rights to many global brands including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Lego and One Direction.

Character World supplies many major retailers in the UK and has enjoyed substantial growth, with sales set to reach over €40m to December 2014. Having recently secured European licensing rights for a number of globally renowned brands, the company is now able to meet increased demand from leading European retailers.

The investment from Palatine along with funding from RBS will allow the business to consolidate its UK market leading position and capitalise on international growth.