Universal Distribution LLC and Ad Populum Complete Acquisition of Diamond Comic Distributors and Related Assets

by Jay Cochran
May 16, 2025
Diamond Comic Distributors (“Diamond” or “the Company”), today announced that the sale of the Company and its assets to Universal Distribution LLC (“Universal”) and Ad Populum has been completed. Universal has acquired the assets of Alliance Game Distributors, and Ad Populum has acquired 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.

“We are pleased that this transaction has been completed and are confident that the publishers and retailers Diamond partnered with, our employees, and comic and games fans are in good hands with Universal and Ad Populum,” said Diamond Chief Restructuring Officer Robert Gorin.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Alliance into the Universal Distribution family. This acquisition marks a transformative step forward in our mission to deliver exceptional service and value to retailers and publishers across North America. By combining Alliance’s respected legacy and expansive network with Universal's operational strengths and innovation-driven approach, we are poised to elevate the distribution experience across the industry. We look forward to building on the trusted relationships Alliance has cultivated and continuing to support the growth and vibrancy of the hobby gaming community.” said Angelo Exarhakos, President and CEO of Universal Distribution.

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.
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Comments...

Last 10 comments - ( Read All Posts )
ucsf - 2025-05-19 @ 8:57 pm

All my thoughts are with the ex-employees now. I can't really think of the figures or merch as of now.

Satam - 2025-05-19 @ 5:11 pm
3 hours ago, Scifantasy said:

Bummer , no trek ships or vehicles for sure now.

Maybe Nacelle will move in and take DST's place.

Scifantasy - 2025-05-19 @ 1:33 pm

Bummer , no trek ships or vehicles for sure now.

deecee4 - 2025-05-19 @ 11:45 am
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.

JayC - 2025-05-19 @ 3:53 am

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.

Admiralty_Entertainment - 2025-05-18 @ 8:56 pm

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.

Scattergorical - 2025-05-18 @ 7:39 pm

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.

deecee4 - 2025-05-18 @ 4:25 pm

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.

JayC - 2025-05-18 @ 4:17 pm

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.

JayC - 2025-05-18 @ 4:07 pm

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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