TCGplayer, with more than 600 team members, offers data management tools, applications, and technologies like robotics automation
EBay Silicon Valley Headquarters in Willow Glen, San Jose, California (Credit: Wikipedia/Cristiano Tomás)
US-based e-commerce firm eBay has forged an agreement to acquire the US-based online technology platform TCGplayer in a deal worth nearly $295m.
Through the acquisition, eBay is expected to gain strategic omnichannel capabilities such as order fulfilment and cart optimisation, which in turn would help the company to maintain its status as a desirable platform for trading card sellers.
eBay Collectibles VP Dawn Block said: “eBay continues to build on our 26 years of experience in trading cards, powering local hobby stores and Main Street retailers to deliver an online destination that collectors love.”
“eBay has always fuelled 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.”
TCGplayer offers data management tools, applications, and technologies like robotics automation which are useful to both buyers and sellers in the collectibles industry.
The trading card platform, with more than 600 team members, claims to serve millions of hobbyist buyers as well as tens of thousands of online sellers through its TCGplayer Marketplace and its authentication centre.
TCGplayer founder and CEO Chedy Hampson said: “This new chapter allows us to continue operating independently within eBay, while also benefiting from their decades of industry experience and resources to deepen the connection between hobbyists and their communities.
“With eBay’s support, we will advance our Purpose, and expand our tools and services to improve the collecting experience online and in your favourite local hobby store.”
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2023.
Founded in 1995, eBay claims to have introduced products and enhancements which are significant for buyers and sellers in the trading cards and collectibles category.
According to the company, its recent launch eBay vault provides insurance, authentication, instant transfer, affordable shipping and a tax-free storage location to its customers.