112-113 LSB Bioworld (SL).qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 30/04/2026 21:29 Page 1
IN CONVERSATION WITH… BIOWORLD AND CHARACTER WORLD BRANDS
Strgth in
synergy Bioworld’s 2025 acquisition of Character World Brands has enhanced the growth trajectory for both companies by offering a more streamlined, responsive service to retailers and licensors. LSB catches up with Richard Radford, Bioworld’s head of licensing for the UK/EMEA, and Character World Brands’ licensing and brand director Tim Kilby, to find out how the partnership proves that two is definitely better than one.
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ounded in 1998, Character World Brands is Europe’s leading licensed home textiles company, offering a ‘total home solution’ that spans licensed bedding, blankets, storage, lighting, furniture and more. Bioworld, meanwhile, is a global provider of lifestyle pop culture products spanning more than 30 product categories, from apparel and accessories to luggage and lifestyle goods. With a network of 14 offices worldwide and a strong foothold across multiple retail tiers, it has become synonymous with scale, speed and design innovation in licensed merchandise. Bringing the two together was, as both sides acknowledge, a natural step. “This is a partnership that represents a mutually beneficial opportunity for both companies,” says Richard Radford. “By leveraging our global reach and product expertise, we can create significant growth opportunities. This new venture aligns closely with our business and delivers exceptional value for our shared customers, while increasing our footprint in the EU. “From a Bioworld perspective, the collaboration has widened out our product offering. Character World are specialists in home textiles, which is not
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK 2026
Inset: Now part of a larger Bioworld ecosystem, Character World Brands will continue to offer a ‘total solution’ for the home.
Below left: Bioworld’s head of licensing for the UK/EMEA, Richard Radford. Below: Tim Kilby, Character World Brands’ licensing and brand director.
an area that Bioworld has traditionally operated in. Working together has opened up new revenue streams and new retail relationships for both companies. There’s a real cross-pollination of product, property and distribution.” For Character World, the timing was significant. After more than 15 years under private equity ownership, the business was ready for a new phase of growth. “It was the right time, right place for both parties,” explains Tim Kilby. “We were looking for a partner who could take us to the next level, and Bioworld was looking to expand into more categories, more retailers and more territories. Now we’re part of a much bigger ecosystem, which brings huge advantages.” Crucially, the acquisition has not diluted Character World’s identity. The business continues to operate from its existing base, with the same team and a clear focus on home. “There’s no confusion, just complementary strengths that come together to form a much more powerful overall offer,” Tim asserts. That complementary nature is perhaps most evident in the power of the companies’ combined licensing portfolios. Bioworld has expertise in pop