HUNT VALLEY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diamond Comic Distributors (“Diamond” or “the Company”), today announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland (“the Court”) has approved a combined bid by Universal Distribution LLC (“Universal”) and Ad Populum to acquire the assets of Diamond Comic Distributors. Under the agreement, Universal will acquire the assets of Alliance Game Distributors, and Ad Populum will acquire the assets of Diamond Comic Distributors, Diamond Book Distributors, Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, Collectible Grading Authority, and other related assets. Diamond UK remains separate from this sale process. The transaction is subject to final closing.
“We are pleased that the court has approved Universal and Ad Populum’s combined bid. Our priority during this process has been to minimize disruption to publishers, retailers, our employees, and comic and games fans everywhere,” said Diamond Chief Restructuring Officer Robert Gorin. “We are confident that this will provide the best outcome for everyone involved.”
“This expansion into the U.S. market through our acquisition of Alliance Game Distributors marks a pivotal moment for Universal Distribution,” said Angelo Exarhakos, President and CEO of Universal Distribution. “We’re committed to building strong, transparent partnerships and ensuring that Alliance continues to serve as a reliable and resilient link in the supply chain.”
“Ever since I was young, I’ll never forget walking through the front door of my neighborhood shop and spotting those iconic Diamond Comic boxes, each one opening to reveal my dreams and ambitions,” said Joel Weinshanker, Managing Director of Ad Populum. “We’re incredibly excited to build on Diamond’s remarkable legacy by bringing Ad Populum’s best-in-class sales, marketing, and distribution to the next chapter.”
About Diamond Comic Distributors
Founded in 1982, Diamond Comic Distributors offers a multi-channel platform of publishing, marketing, and fulfillment services, coupled with an unparalleled global distribution network for its retailers, publishers and vendors. Diamond’s mission is simple: to provide our customers the best in products, price and personalized service. Learn more at https://www.diamondcomics.com/
About Universal Distribution
Universal has been distributing to hobby stores in Canada for over 30 years, servicing the needs of retailers in comics, collectible toys & figurines, sports and non-sports cards, collectible card games, and role-playing games.
About Ad Populum
Ad Populum aligns corporate strategy and fosters growth across its unique roster of consumer products and entertainment brands by leveraging its strong global retail distribution, product development, and manufacturing capabilities. Across its roster of brands, including NECA, Kidrobot, Wizkids, Chia Pet, Rubies, Smiffys, Enesco, Graceland, and more, Ad Populum is the largest producer of pop culture goods and experiences, targeting everyone from Boomers to Gen Z.
All my thoughts are with the ex-employees now. I can't really think of the figures or merch as of now.
3 hours ago, Scifantasy said:Bummer , no trek ships or vehicles for sure now.
Maybe Nacelle will move in and take DST's place.
Bummer , no trek ships or vehicles for sure now.
7 hours ago, JayC said:So Zach Oat who you may know from DST has confirmed on his linkdin account that he has been laid off.
Also IDK how or if this will have any baring, but it should be noted that one of the two entities,Ad Populum who purchased the Diamond assets also owns NECA Toys.
As far as Zach, who was pretty much the face of the company engaging with collectors, maybe Neca can hire him on in a similar role since it doesnt seem like Randy Falk does that type of stuff anymore in recent years.
Was Clayburn Moore still working for Diamond? Hes the only other name I know who worked there.
So Zach Oat who you may know from DST has confirmed on his linkdin account that he has been laid off.
Also IDK how or if this will have any baring, but it should be noted that one of the two entities,Ad Populum who purchased the Diamond assets also owns NECA Toys.
Say what you will about Diamond itself, DST really made some great stuff over the years and it's terrible to lose another source of cool merch. Lots of love and support to the talented and hard-working staff affected by this, fingers crossed they get snapped up by other companies really quickly.
The only guy I knew about that worked with DST was former 4 Horseman Chris Dahlberg. He's a great artist and I dearly hope he is able to get his work out there in other lines.
Oh man, terrible news.
Edit:also i know a lot of people didnt care for what they made but just wanted to shoutout my personal greatest hits:
-Black Hole figures, Maximillian having an alternate head with Reinhart inside was just sick!
-Tron Tomy homage set, my ideal versions of their 7 inch Tron figures.
-Marvel Select Juggernaut, Colossus, Silver Centurion, Crimson Dynamo, Titanium Man and Immortal Hulk.
And yes as always with this type of news we can hope anyone laid off will end up landing on their feet and be able to embrace new opportunities.
I have confirmed with some retailers who have been told DST is in fact shutting down. Its still unclear what will happen with open pre-orders but general thought is they will be canceled.
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