News
Beckett has new owner after purchase by hobby company
Beckett Media & Collectibles has a new owner as collectibles company Collēctīvus Holdings announced Tuesday that it has purchased Beckett, Dragon Shield, and Southern Hobby Distribution.
Collēctīvus announced that it has secured lending agreements that will revitalize the company’s ability to invest in all three Collēctīvus brands as well as its growing portfolio.
“We’re thrilled. It’s truly a new beginning,” said Kevin Isaacson, CEO of Collēctīvus Holdings. “We enter 2025 with an incredible team of dedicated hobbyists, motivated investors, and a dedicated customer base that appreciates our 100+-year commitment to success across the Beckett, Dragon Shield, and Southern Hobby companies.’’
Beckett was once one of the sports collectibles hobby’s top grading and authentication companies, but has lost market share over the past few years, falling behind grading rivals PSA, SCG and CCG.
Dragon Shield produces card sleeves, binders and other collecting supplies, while Southern Hobby is one of the top distribution companies for trading cards and collectibles.
According to Collēctīvus, all hobby companies under the new brand will maintain their independence and identities, but will benefit from more coordination and strategy from a global leadership team. Collēctīvus says it is committed to providing better service and innovation for collectors, independent retailers, and manufacturing partners.
“It’s rare for a brand to establish itself as the industry leader right from its inception, but that’s exactly what Collēctīvus is doing,” said Scott Stroud, CMO of Collēctīvus Holdings. “When you look across the three Collēctīvus brands you find the most sought-after labels in all collecting, the highest quality sleeves in TCG, and the most knowledgeable sales team in The Hobby. With the added ability to further invest in all our brands, 2025 is looking like a record year.”
Beckett also announced long-term contract extensions for its team of noted authenticators, including Steve Grad, Brian Sobrero, Zach Rullo, Charlie Price and Larry Studebaker.
“Together we’ve spent 100 years authenticating for every major company in our industry alongside every trusted auction house,’’ said Brian Sobrero, Beckett’s Senior Principal Authenticator. “Our customers trust us to authenticate their most valued items, and their passion is why we continue to expand our impact across the memorabilia industry.’’
Said Steve Grad, Senior Principal Authenticator: “My commitment to providing exceptional expertise and upholding the highest standards remains unwavering as I look forward to supporting the vibrant community of collectors and ensuring the integrity of their prized possessions.”
The Beckett Authentication team was a fixture in the authentication circuit during a record-setting 2024, providing its expertise to more than 125 separate events and authenticating more than 2 million pieces valuable artifacts.
“Beckett is blessed to have the caliber of authenticators it has on its roster,” Isaacson said. “With these contract extensions, Beckett Authentication can guarantee the standards, criteria, and service our customers have come to expect from us at the top of our industry.”
For more information, check out the company’s website at CollēctīvusHoldings.com.
