A brush and cleaning products business has gained the European license to manufacture and distribute two Dragon’s Den products.
Charles Bentley & Son, which is based in Loughborough, has taken the rights for plasterboard fixing anchor Gripit and Marxman, a tool that helps professional tradespeople make non-permanent chalk marks.
Both products were backed by Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden.
The Leicestershire-based brushware and homeware specialist has manufacturing plants in both the UK and China, and adds both Gripit and Marxman to its existing portfolio of DIY and home products.
Gripit, which appeared on Dragon’s Den in 2014, is already available in 5,000 UK stores as well as 32 countries worldwide.
Charles Bentley & Son will use its experience and networks in the sector to further increase reach and sales.
Marxman is a partner product and is sold across Europe.
Charles Bentley & Son is a sixth-generation family business which has been operating for more than 160 years.
It will start distributing Gripit and Marxman products from mid-December.
Managing director Charles Bentley said: “These products are an exciting but natural addition for us.
“It is one of a number of Dragon’s Den-backed innovations that we produce and distribute, working with inventors, bringing new products to a worldwide market.
“Gripit is a fantastic brand, and we are confident that with our substantial heritage and experience in global manufacturing, shipping and distribution coupled with our own established brand, we are confident we can build further on its success.”
Earlier this year, UK Building Products limited, who own the Gripit brand, underwent a re-structure, and awarded the Gripit licence to Charles Bentley & Son.
A spokesman for UK Building Products, said: “Working with Charles Bentley & Son is part of a package of positive changes that has been put in place to ensure the company’s continued success, and we felt that their wealth of experience in the DIY trade, best placed them to serve both the brand and the market for Gripit Products.”
