Swinton toy distributor RMS International has secured vital funding from the Business Growth Fund (BGF) to help expand its operations worldwide.
In a press statment the firm also announced it had appointed Stuart Rose as its new chairman.
Rose, a trained chartered accountant, has held a series of high-level business appointments, managing director of the Body Shop, chairman of London toy group Hamleys and the same role at lingerie chain Agent Provocateur.
Based on Pendlebury Road in Swinton, RMS was founded in 1982.
It now has offices in America, Hong Kong, China and the Netherlands, with over 130 staff worldwide.
For the past 25 years it has designed a range of products in-house, including Grafix, Blocktech, GL and Games Hub.
More recently the firm has been building a licenced product line with Disney, Universal and other major franchises.
Tyrone Farber, CEO of RMS International, said: “With the support of a strong management team, we have built a sizable and reputable business over the past 30 years and we know that there are further, unexploited opportunities, particularly overseas.
“BGF’s flexible and long term approach to funding and partnership fits with our own needs, and our desire to remain in control of the business. I am extremely excited to have Stuart Rose on board.
“His knowledge and experience in the retail sector will undoubtedly prove valuable to RMS as we continue to grow.”
The investment was led for BGF by Matt Windall and Rhys Davenport.
Matt Widdall, an investor at BGF, added: “RMS has built significant expertise, with a strong reputation for quality, creativity and distribution. We are excited to be supporting the company as it looks to grow its international presence.”
