cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26351305
Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation has announced that it has been selected as the winning bidder to acquire substantially all of the assets of Diamond Comic Distributors after Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Alliance Entertainment is a global distributor and wholesaler specializing in music, movies, video games, electronics, arcades, and collectables. The proposed acquisition, which is subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, includes Diamond Comic Distributors (U.S.), Alliance Game Distributors (no relation), Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, and Collectible Grading Authority. No mention of Diamond UK, Diamond Select Toys, FandomWorld, Gentle Giant or Free Comic Book Day. I am hearing that there were multiple competitive bids and that the price Alliance paid was significantly more than anyone anticipated, which should be good news for publishers.
...
Alliance Entertainment CEO Jeff Walker started out in the entertainment industry as the owner and operator of CD Listening Bar, a venue for music fans to gather together and connect over their mutual passions. Jeff founded music wholesaler Super D in 1995 and, with business partner Bruce Ogilvie merged AENT and Super D in 2013 to be the market leader in physical media distribution for music, movies, toys, collectables, and consumer electronics.
Alliance Entertainment states that they will gain deeper access to a highly engaged community of retailers and fans who form the backbone of the direct market.
Alliance Entertainment states that they have "substantial account overlaps already identified", introducing Diamond's distribution into Alliance's mass retail and e-commerce channels while bringing Alliance's catalogue of physical media and licensed merchandise into comic book and game stores.