Dragons’ Den firm sale is Deal of the Month

THE sale of Warwickshire mask-making business Mask-arade, which rose to prominence after being featured on TV’s Dragons’ Den, has been chosen as our Deal of the Month for August.

Southam-based Mask-arade, best known for its celebrity and sports star masks, was acquired by costume manufacturer Rubie in an undisclosed deal.

The firm has joined Oxfordshire-based Rubie’s group of companies with immediate effect with Ray Duffy remaining with the company as commercial director, while founders Dean Walton and Chris O’Nyan have exited the business.

The business will continue to operate out of its Southam headquarters.

Corporate solicitors Steve Halkett and Luke Moulton from Leamington-based Wright Hassall advised the Mask-arade shareholders on the takeover deal.

Halkett said: “Mask-arade is a fantastic success story with the business growing rapidly.

“Ray, Dean and Chris have worked extremely hard to drive the company forward and create strong demand for its high quality and innovative products, which has culminated in the company becoming part of the Rubie’s group.”

Mask-arade first rose to fame after pitching on the BBC’s hit TV series Dragons’ Den and now currently boasts licenses for a wide range of movie stars, characters, sports stars and politicians.

Commenting on the Deal of the Month choice, TheBusinessDesk.com editor Andy Coyne said: “Mask-arade is a great example of a business being based around one good idea but then developed further through a mixture hard work and creativity.

“It is of no surprise that a group such as Rubie should see it as an excellent addition to its own offer.

“It’s great news that the business is staying in Southam and that Ray Duffy is staying with the firm.

“And well done to Wright Hassall for expertly steering the takeover deal through to a satisfactory conclusion for all concerned.”

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