Collectors Universe, one of the leading authenticators for collectibles, announced today that the Investor group spearheaded by entrepreneur and collector Nat Turner, D1 Capital Partners L.P., and Cohen Private Ventures, LLC, has completed its acquisition of the company. As a result of the sale, shares of Collectors Universe common stock are no longer listed on the NASDAQ Global Select.
Other members of the Investor Group include The Chernin Group (“TCG”), in addition to renowned athletes and collectors, including NFL offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, NBA player Kevin Durant, NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, card collector and owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks Ken Kendrick, former World #1 tennis player Andy Roddick, and NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson, among others.
Nat Turner has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, and Joseph J. Orlando will continue his duties as the President and CEO of Collectors Universe.
“Today represents an exciting new chapter for Collectors Universe, its dedicated employees, and hobbyists worldwide,” Turner said. “As a private company, we will have the flexibility to further invest in infrastructure, technology, and R&D to reduce turnaround times and increase operational capacity while enhancing the integrity and consistency of Collectors Universe’s best-in-class services.”
Demand is at an all-time high for authentication and grading of collectibles, and Turner, along with the new ownership group, plans to expand the company’s reach technologically to meet the increase in business.
“Together, we look forward to bringing hobbyists a tech-enabled, customer-centric business that is delivered by the collecting community, for the collecting community,” Turner said.
