Diamond Declares Bankrupcy

[DSTZach]

That's kind of you. We'll see how things shake out. 

[Navaan]

Agreed.

[SCW]

Man this sounds awful. The Alliance thing seemed SO promising. To hear that Diamond may have intentionally or unintentionally sabotaged that for a lower offer from another company that may be looking to essentially scrap it for parts is frustrating. Maybe it'll all work out, but I feel for Zach and everyone working at Diamond as it sounds like they were as in the dark as everyone. Originally I expected this was a lot more professional behind-the-scenes and it seems like the original dealings were in good faith but things soured somewhere along the way.

Here's hoping everyone (and Minimates) makes it out the other side stronger and more secure.

[buttheadsmate]

I may well put some items up on ebay  (other auction sites are available) but please don't bother bidding unless you are the buyer that I prefer .

I will not tolerate anybody whinging about being the highest bidder . 

 

Thank you.

 

Edited May 1 by buttheadsmate

[Padrino]

Highest bidder plans to throw all of your square little block figures in the trash. Next highest bidder plans to donate them to children’s hospital where people can continue to enjoy them and may be inspired to pass them on, keeping them “alive”.

 

Not saying DST was being altruistic in this choice, but there may be factors that aren’t publicly available that went into the decision. 

[hellpop]

On 4/30/2025 at 3:38 PM, DSTZach said:

I hope for everyone here that all planned Minimates are released by the new owners. I have no idea what will happen to me, but I love those little guys, and you guys deserve all the things. 

All love and support to you Zach. You're a great guy and wherever you land is going to be lucky to have you.

[murderofcrows]

anyone hear if Zach is ok?  I havent seen anything crazy on the socials yet.  

[DSTZach]

Still working business as usual. You may see two new Minimates pre-orders later this month. Ad Populum takes over shortly-ish, I believe. 

[Padrino]

29 minutes ago, DSTZach said:

Still working business as usual. You may see two new Minimates pre-orders later this month. Ad Populum takes over shortly-ish, I believe. 

Thank you, Zach. I lived through a merger/take-over at my previous position and I can imagine how stressful/uncertain things are.  

Does the fact that pre-orders are still happening a good sign? 

[DSTZach]

I think so. If we have pre-orders for items, then we have someone to sell to when they are ultimately made. If we do not offer anything, then there is no business to buy. But it is all above my head. 

[MisterPL]

On 5/1/2025 at 2:18 PM, Padrino said:

Highest bidder plans to throw all of your square little block figures in the trash. Next highest bidder plans to donate them to children’s hospital where people can continue to enjoy them and may be inspired to pass them on, keeping them “alive”.

 

Not saying DST was being altruistic in this choice, but there may be factors that aren’t publicly available that went into the decision. 

It may also be a matter of how the buyer treats the workforce they're acquiring. One buyer might insist on cutting redundant positions immediately while another might be willing to keep them on until they can find other positions inside or outside the company.

I've never met or studied Steve Geppi but as Diamond's founder, he may be more interested in his legacy than making a few more extra bucks. Either way, I hope Diamond's staff is treated fairly.

[thereasonsy]

33 minutes ago, MisterPL said:

 Either way, I hope Diamond's staff is treated fairly.

Amen.

[Padrino]

2 hours ago, MisterPL said:

It may also be a matter of how the buyer treats the workforce they're acquiring. One buyer might insist on cutting redundant positions immediately while another might be willing to keep them on until they can find other positions inside or outside the company.

I've never met or studied Steve Geppi but as Diamond's founder, he may be more interested in his legacy than making a few more extra bucks. Either way, I hope Diamond's staff is treated fairly.

Totally agree, I was trying to use toys as my analogy but you said it much better than I did

[DSTZach]

I'm not sure why they wanted to go with the second highest bidder, again, over my pay grade, but we shall see if that pans out! Looking forward to hearing plans from the new owner. 

[nandoninny]

On 5/6/2025 at 3:11 PM, DSTZach said:

Still working business as usual. You may see two new Minimates pre-orders later this month. Ad Populum takes over shortly-ish, I believe. 

i guess business as usual.  are these a surprise to us or something we knew about?

 

[DSTZach]

POTA 1 and Marvel 89, New FF!

[nandoninny]

well shoot!  sign me up for both!!

 

[THE_CRIPPLER]

Not a big fan of POTA, but I will buy a set to support Minimates.

[murderofcrows]

23 hours ago, DSTZach said:

POTA 1 and Marvel 89, New FF!

I am ready   TAKE MY MONEY

[murderofcrows]

 Zach…this is unbelievable.  
I assume with you no longer working there, the entire operation is being shuttered.  I am so sorry, my most sincere well wishes on your next journey. 
 

just tragic

Edited May 17 by murderofcrows

[Navaan]

I hadn't heard of Zach being let go. Absolutely terrible.

 

Edit: Just found the instagram post about retiring the DST shirt block from Zach's custom minimate. I'm hopeful it just means a rebranding, hope Zach isn't gone, minimates aren't done, and that no one else is out of a job.

 

This sucks. I thought they wanted to sell to AdPop and co to avoid bloodbaths and firings and to try and keep going? 

Edited May 17 by Navaan

[Padrino]

3 hours ago, Navaan said:

I hadn't heard of Zach being let go. Absolutely terrible.

 

Edit: Just found the instagram post about retiring the DST shirt block from Zach's custom minimate. I'm hopeful it just means a rebranding, hope Zach isn't gone, minimates aren't done, and that no one else is out of a job.

 

This sucks. I thought they wanted to sell to AdPop and co to avoid bloodbaths and firings and to try and keep going? 

I hate this so much. I’m so sorry, Zach. I am holding on to hope that this means bigger and better things for you. 

[fwoosheyman]

Unfortunately there have been layoffs all across diamond. 

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/ad-populum-buys-diamond-layoffs-sales-services-support/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/breaking-massive-layoffs-at-diamond-comics-today/

Hopefully the heads of Diamond who ran it into bankruptcy are given the boot as well and it’s not just the employees who have to deal with the consequences. 

[Navaan]

Was this not why they went for Ad Poplum? To avoid this? Gross. Completely gross and exceptionally frustrating. My heart to folks affected.

[thereasonsy]

1 hour ago, Padrino said:

I hate this so much. I’m so sorry, Zach. I am holding on to hope that this means bigger and better things for you. 

Amen.