Collectible Grading Authority (CGA) has been acquired by a new ownership group led by veteran collectible toy expert Tom Derby, Skyrush Marketing founder Andrew Aiello and investor Ben Davis, the company announced Tuesday.
CGA, which holds the top toy authenticator (AFA) and one of the top video game authenticators (VGA) under its umbrella, was formerly owned by Diamond Comics Distributors, once the largest distributor of English-language comics in the world.
Diamond Comics filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in January. It had acquired CGA in 2021.
Diamond Comics said in a statement at the time it was “actively pursuing offers for, and has received interest from potential purchases for” its companies, including CGA.
The new ownership group’s inclusion of Derby will be a familiar name for many collectors, particularly in the toy realm, as he leads Collectible Investment Brokerage (CIB). Derby is a widely cited expert and dealer of Kenner Star Wars toys, often providing letters of authenticity for the famed rocket-firing Boba Fett (graded by AFA).
In a statement, CGA said it will continue operating in Georgia, “preserving its knowledgeable leadership team,” and plans to strengthen and expand operations, service and offerings.
“We understand the concern collectors have felt during the recent transition,” Aiello said in a statement. “Our goal is to bring stability and innovation to CGA. We are proud to carry this legacy forward while continuing to serve collectors with the care and consistency they deserve.”
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible content.