Universal Distribution + Ad Populum complete the purchase of Diamond; begin layoffs

It’s official now: Universal Distribution and Ad Populum, the second-place bidders in the Diamond bankruptcy auction, have completed the purchase of several Diamond assets, including the comics distribution business and Alliance Game Distributors.

Universal will take home Alliance Game Distributors, while Ad Populum gets 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 thrilled to officially welcome Alliance into the Universal Distribution family,” said Angelo Exarhakos, president and CEO of Universal Distribution. “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.”

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Diamond moves closer to having a new owner

The bankruptcy court approves the bid from Universal Distribution and Ad Populum, with a final closing date still pending.

It looks like Diamond is moving ever closer to having a new owner, and — surprise! — it’s not the top bidder in their bankruptcy auction.

Alliance Entertainment, “a global distributor and wholesaler specializing in music, movies, video games, electronics, arcades, and collectibles,” won the auction, which led to a bunch of drama that I’ll recount below. But after all sorts of shenanigans — is that a legal term? — the bid from Universal Distribution LLC and holding company Ad Populum has been approved by the court.

Under the agreement, Universal will acquire Alliance Game Distributors (a different company than Alliance Entertainment; things haven’t gotten that weird), and Ad Populum will acquire 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, and the transaction is subject to final closing.

The press release had quotes from all three entities, with Joel Weinshanker, managing director of Ad Populum, winning with the best one:

“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.”

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DC signs a distribution deal with Universal Distribution

The agreement kicks into gear in January.

Canada-based Universal Distribution will begin directly distributing DC’s comics and graphic novels to comic retailers in January 2023. Retailers can begin placing orders through them in October.

“The DC and Universal Distribution partnership is an exciting opportunity to reach new audiences with DC’s iconic Super Heroes and Super-Villains,” said Nancy Spears, DC’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Our new partnership with Universal is in line with DC’s overall strategic vision to strengthen the Direct Market and grow the number of fans who read comics worldwide.”

While Universal is based in Canada and already serves that market for comics and other collectibles, this new deal is a global agreement, according to ICv2. Universal will distribute DC product to retailers in Canada, the U.S. and other territories.

“This agreement enables us to provide retailers with the tools they need to grow their DC business,” said Angelo Exarhakos, CEO of Universal Distribution, in the press release. “Our primary focus has always been to work closely with our key partners to help retailers provide a great experience for their customers. We are huge fans of DC and are extremely excited with this new relationship between our companies.”

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