He didn't buy the company he renewed the trademark. There was no company. It went out of business decades ago. My friend should have already registered it but he did not.
He had posted on Facebook his intentions of creating a new Ranalah Wheeling Machine. The original Ranalah is revered among panelbeaters and shapers because it is one of the best if not the best. Especially in the UK.
Dom contacted him, asking if he could get involved, who his patternmaker was etc. He also asked him about Ranalah and his intentions. Clive told him what his intentions were and that the Ranalah trademark was available and he intended to renew it and produce a new Ranalah style wheel. Dom never said anything to him about wanting to do the Ranalah himself but within 24 hours of their conversation Dom had renewed/purchased the trademark and Clive was out of luck. Yes he should have already done that but he didn't. Dom knew what his intentions were and the work and money he had spent preparing and did it anyway. No honor IMO. That's why I don't like him and many of us think he is a snake.
This is my buddys site. You can see that he makes very high quality stuff. To be clear what he had planned was not just in his head or on paper. He had already spent a considerable amount of time and money (making patterns is not cheap) and had cast several already. His mistake was not registering the trademark. Of course he should have but Dom should have been honorable and not done so either knowing of Clive's plans. We have encouraged him to produce his own under his name. They will be fine machines.
https://www.lambco-machinery.com/