The company founded by the parents of the Princess of Wales has been sold after it collapsed into administration, reports Sky News.
Party Pieces Holdings, launched by Carole and Michael Middleton in 1987, has been bought by businessman James Sinclair, who owns Teddy Tastic Bear Co Ltd.
Interpath Advisory is understood to have been appointed as administrator on Thursday morning, and a number of companies bid to buy Party Pieces.
Party Pieces Holdings was a family-owned party supply company founded by Carole Middleton and her husband Michael Middleton in 1987. Carole Middleton is the mother of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and is married to Michael Middleton, a former British Airways flight dispatcher.
The idea for Party Pieces came about when Carole Middleton struggled to find suitable party supplies for her children's parties. Seeing a gap in the market, she decided to start a business from her kitchen table, initially focusing on selling party bags. The business gradually expanded its product range to include a wide variety of party decorations, tableware, fancy dress costumes, and other party accessories.
Party Pieces gained popularity over the years, catering to customers looking for convenient and themed party supplies. The company built a strong customer base through mail-order catalogs and later expanded into online sales. It offered a wide range of party themes and packages, making it easier for parents to organize and host parties for their children.
Party Pieces' success was further boosted by its association with the Middleton family, particularly after Catherine Middleton married Prince William in 2011, becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. The media attention surrounding the royal wedding brought additional publicity to the business.
Interpath declined to comment.
