Greetings card retailer CardZone has bought rival Special Occasion, which is expected to boost turnover to £9m.

The deal adds 15 stores to CardZone’s existing 60-store portfolio across the Cotswolds and Welsh borders. The stores will be converted into CardZone stores, which trade under the fascia Paper Kisses.

CardZone was supported in the deal by Barclays Bank.

CardZone chief executive Paul Taylor said: “The acquisition is a major milestone in the company’s history – we’ve been looking to expand for some time and this business is a natural fit with our existing stores.”

Barclays relationship director Ian Green said: “It’s great to see a retail business bucking the economic trend and thriving in the current climate. The future looks bright for this forward thinking and ambitious business as they continue to increase their position within their chosen market.”