From Dragons’ Den to Global Growth: Charles Bentley & Son acquires MarXman

Charles Bentley & Son has announced the acquisition of MarXman Ltd, the brand behind the innovative MarXman chalk marking tool, signalling the next phase in the leading company’s long-term growth and development.

MarXman first gained national recognition in 2016 following a standout appearance on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, where the innovation secured backing from Deborah Meaden after attracting offers from all five Dragons.

Manufactured in Loughborough by Charles Bentley & Son, the company has sold the MarXman range under licence since 2019. During this time, the business has grown sales of the product fivefold, expanded its international footprint, and helped establish MarXman as a category-defining brand across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The acquisition formalises this successful partnership and enables Charles Bentley & Son to fully invest in the brand’s future.

Steve Law, Commercial Director at Charles Bentley & Son, said: “Having worked closely with MarXman for several years, we’ve seen first-hand the strength of the product and the loyalty it commands with users. The licensing agreement delivered fantastic growth, but acquiring the brand gives us the freedom to really focus on long-term brand building and product innovation. It allows us to invest with confidence and unlock the next stage of MarXman’s potential.”

The acquisition brings the MarXman brand fully in-house, allowing Charles Bentley & Son to oversee manufacturing, sales and brand development under one roof. In the coming months, the move will allow for a strategic rebrand to strengthen on-shelf presence and further reinforce MarXman’s position as a category-leading marking solution, with plans for new product development to meet the evolving needs of trade and DIY customers.

James Bentley, Managing Director at Charles Bentley & Son, added:

“MarXman is a great fit for our portfolio. It’s a genuinely innovative product with a strong heritage and global appeal. This acquisition enables us to accelerate growth, expand the range and continue delivering high-quality, problem-solving tools to both trade and DIY markets.”

With full ownership now secured, Charles Bentley & Son will focus on developing the MarXman brand beyond its original hero product, strengthening its positioning and driving further international growth.

For more information, visit www.charlesbentley.com

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Editors notes

Established in 1860, Charles Bentley is a sixth-generation family business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of brushware. What started as a chimney-sweeping brushes company has grown into a trusted British brand, with over 160 years of experience creating high-quality brushware for homes, businesses, and industry. Today, more than two million brushes and brooms are made every year, combining traditional values with modern manufacturing to meet the demands of customers across the UK and beyond. Alongside its brushware heritage, Charles Bentley is now known for a wide range of home, garden, and leisure products, from garden furniture and parasols to storage, barbecues, and decorative touches. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, style and practicality to everyday living. Still based in Loughborough, Charles Bentley continues to innovate while staying true to its long-standing values of quality, sustainability, and dependable customer service. Whether it’s a hand-finished broom or a beautifully crafted piece of garden furniture, the Bentley name is trusted by generations to deliver products that enhance everyday life.