Alliance Entertainment Wins Bid to Acquire Key Assets from Diamond Comic Distributors

Core Viewpoint - Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation has been selected as the winning bidder to acquire substantially all assets of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., which is currently undergoing a court-supervised bankruptcy process. This acquisition is expected to enhance Alliance's position in the collectibles market and unlock cross-selling synergies across various retail channels [1][2][8]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes Diamond Comic Distributors (U.S.), Alliance Game Distributors, Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, and Collectible Grading Authority, which collectively represent a 42-year-old enterprise recognized as a leader in comic books, tabletop games, and collectibles [1][2]. - The acquired assets are projected to generate over $200 million in revenue and over $10 million in EBITDA in FY2026 [1]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The acquisition is viewed as a transformative opportunity to expand leadership in gaming and physical collectibles, deepening reach into fan-driven categories [2]. - Alliance Entertainment will gain access to a highly engaged community of retailers and fans, supporting over 5,000 retail storefronts, including independent comic and game stores, specialty retailers, and mass-market chains [2][3]. Group 3: Market Position and Product Offering - Alliance Game Distributors is a category leader in the tabletop games sector, offering over 15,000 unique SKUs to more than 3,000 independent hobby retailers across North America [3]. - Diamond Comic Distributors serves as the distribution backbone for comic books and collectibles, fulfilling orders for over 2,500 comic shops and thousands of additional retailers [4]. - Collectible Grading Authority has authenticated and graded over 500,000 collectibles for dealers and collectors in more than 50 countries, adding a high-value service layer to Alliance's offerings [5]. Group 4: Financial Strategy - Alliance Entertainment plans to finance the acquisition through an amendment to its existing $120 million Revolving Credit Facility, which is expected to increase to $160 million [8].