Ad Populum, which acquired Collectible Grading Authority in its purchase of assets from Diamond Comic Distributors in May (see "Under New Ownership"), has sold the company to a new ownership group, CGA announced.
Diamond acquired toy and video game grading company CGA in October of 2021, as the smallest of three transactions in the grading category over a period of four months (see "Diamond Acquires Grading Company"). CGA operates Action Figure Authority, the oldest division, which grades action figures; Die-Cast Authority; Collectible Doll Authority; and video game grading division Video Game Authority.
The new ownership group includes digital marketing agency principal Andrew Aiello, Thomas Derby of Collectible Investment Brokerage, collector and investor Ben Davis, and additional investors.
The company will continue to operate from its home base in Georgia with the same management team and staff.
The new owners stressed stability in framing the acquisition. "We understand the concern collectors have felt during the recent transition," Aiello said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "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."

To New Ownership Group
Posted by Milton Griepp on July 8, 2025 @ 2:13 am CT
