eBay, Inc. and TCGplayer have reached a definitive agreement for eBay to acquire TCGplayer, the companies announced, with TCGplayer continuing to operate as a separate company. Current CEO Chedy Hampson (see “Business 3x3: Chedy Hampson at TCGplayer.com”) will continue to run the company after the acquisition.  The price will be $295 million and the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2023, after regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. “[A]s part of this transaction, all 688 TCGplayers — hourly and salaried — will share in the financial rewards of this deal as a result of our employee stock option plan,” Hampson said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

eBay VP of Collectibles Dawn Block notes the potential of expanding the company’s presence in the trading card business.  “eBay has always fueled our customers' passion in this space and facilitated connections between buyers and sellers, and with TCGplayer, we can enhance the customer experience across categories, forge even more relationships, and cater to enthusiasts around the world," she said.

Hampson stressed the opportunity for further expansion for TCGplayer. “With eBay's support, we will advance our Purpose, and expand our tools and services to improve the collecting experience online and in your favorite local hobby store,” he said.

In a separate statement, Hampson reassured customers of stability in the company’s operations. “Importantly, there will be no change in how we work with customers, and you can expect the same high-quality service, tools, products and content you have come to rely on from TCGplayer,” he said. “This means that any orders you've placed via the TCGplayer Marketplace or agreements you have in place with us will remain unchanged. Your contacts at TCGplayer will also remain the same, and all business will continue as normal. As always, we will continue to communicate any new information leading up to close and beyond.”

eBay described the transaction as furthering “the company’s commitment to trading card enthusiasts.” TCGplayer is currently a marketplace for TCG products, but announced earlier this year a plan to expand into the broader sports card market this summer (see “Online Commerce Platform TCGplayer Expanding to Sports Cards”).

TCGplayer raised $10 million in equity financing from Radian Capital back in 2018 (see “TCGplayer Raises $10 Million in Investment Capital”), and another $35 million in debt financing from Vista Credit Partners last year (see “TCGplayer Raises Another $35 Million”). The company acquired Roca Robotics, the makers of the Roca Sorter for TCGs last year (see “TCGplayer Picks Up Roca Robotics”).

Evercore is acting as financial advisor to TCGplayer, and Cooley LLP as legal counsel.  Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is legal advisor to eBay.