(BALTIMORE, MD) — (October 13, 2021) — Diamond Comic Distributors (DCD), the world’s largest distributor of English-language comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise, today announced the acquisition of Collectible Grading Authority (CGA), operator of the well-known and established grading brands, Action Figure Authority (AFA) and Video Game Authority (VGA) as well Die-Cast Authority (DCA) and Collectible Doll Authority (CDA).

CGA will join Diamond as part of Geppi Family Enterprises (GFE), a network of pop culture companies owned by Steve Geppi. GFE includes Diamond Comic Distributors, Diamond UK, Diamond Book Distributors, Alliance Game Distributors, Diamond Select Toys, Gemstone Publishing, E. Gerber, and Hake’s Auctions among others.

Adding to Geppi’s already powerful portfolio of pop culture brands, the acquisition of CGA advances GFE’s position in the industry as the nexus of pop culture and supports its mission to be the leading source for pop culture products and services worldwide.

“I’m focused on expanding our product and service offerings to cement our position as the center of all things pop culture,” said Steve Geppi, President, Chairman and CEO of Geppi Family Enterprises. “We’ve all been reading about the explosive growth in collectible grading, so getting into that business was a logical next step for us. As the undisputed leader in action figure and video game grading, CGA is the perfect addition to our portfolio. I am thrilled to have CGA join Geppi Family Enterprises.”

CGA brings a best-in-class collectible grading and preservation business along with an extensive customer base. For more than 20 years, CGA has served more than 10,000 collectors, investors, dealers, auction firms and toy makers, grading close to 500,000 items. CGA’s high-quality acrylic cases offer tamper-proof protection that also serves as an attractive display for a wide range of items.

Founded in Atlanta in 2000, CGA began by offering action figure grading and quickly evolved into the leading grading service of action figures. Expanding into video game grading in 2008, CGA maintains their position as the trusted authority on grading of action figures and video games.

“Our focus has always been on providing accurate grading services accompanied by the highest quality acrylic cases in the industry,” said Chad Thompson, CEO of Collectible Grading Authority. “We’re not only excited to partner with Steve Geppi and the Geppi Family Enterprises portfolio of brands—we’re also eager to accelerate our growth and take CGA to the next level as a result of our new partnership. This is just the beginning of exciting new times as we look forward to continuing to serve our collecting communities for many years to come.”

CGA will maintain their Atlanta-based operations.

ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture merchandise. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books and pop-culture related merchandise, servicing thousands of specialty retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.

ABOUT GEPPI FAMILY ENTERPRISES – Geppi Family Enterprises (GFE) has served as the nexus of comics and pop culture since 1982. GFE is comprised of 11 brands in the US and the UK, including Diamond Comic Distributors, Alliance Game Distributors, Diamond Book Distributors, Diamond UK, Gemstone Publishing, Baltimore Magazine, Diamond Select Toys, Diamond International Galleries, Hakes Auctions, E. Gerber and PREVIEWS. GFE provides a multi-channel platform of publishing, marketing, and fulfillment services, coupled with an unparalleled global distribution network for retailers, publishers, and vendors. What started as one man’s hobby, with a single warehouse and 17 retail customers, has evolved into the Geppi Family Enterprises of today: the largest distributor and supplier of English language comics, graphic novels, and pop culture related products and services worldwide.

ABOUT COLLECTIBLE GRADING AUTHORITY – Collectible Grading Authority (CGA) is the operator of the well-known and established grading companies, Action Figure Authority (AFA) and and Video Game Authority (VGA) as well as the Collectible Doll Authority (CDA) and Die-Cast Authority (DCA). CGA’s main goal is to grade, authenticate, and preserve treasured collectibles.