The Blackstone Group completed the acquisition of Certified Collectibles Group, a provider of expert, impartial and tech-enabled services that add value and liquidity to collectibles, at c. $500m valuation. “As thematic investors, we look for exceptional entrepreneurial teams succeeding in growing markets, and CCG is a great example. We have been closely following the rise of the global physical and digital collectibles industry for several years and we were drawn to CCG because of their leadership role in the categories that they serve, and Blackstone’s ability to grow the platform through both organic and inorganic initiatives. We look forward to working together to help the company continue and even accelerate its impressive growth trajectory," C. C. Melvin Ike, Blackstone Principal.