Bonhams, the auctioneer known for its sales of art, wine, cars and jewelry, has a new owner. The British auction house has been sold from private shareholders to the London-based private equity firm Epiris, it was announced Tuesday.
The fund, which specializes in UK businesses valued between £75 million and £500 million, did not disclose financial details of the deal. According to the Antiques Trade Gazette, Epiris holds a diverse portfolio of companies, including country club operator the Club Company and the UK branch of magazine publisher Time Inc, which prints titles such as Wallpaper, Ideal Home, and Horse & Hound. The sale comes three-and-a-half months after Bonhams reportedly appointed financial advisory firm NM Rothschild to find a buyer.
Bonhams was previously owned by former race car driver and ex-Christie’s executive Robert Brooks and the Dutch Louwmans family, who operate one of the largest auto dealerships in the Netherlands.
Brooks, who sold his stake in the takeover, said in a statement: “We have always had the intention one day to pass on the business to a new owner who shares our long-term vision for Bonhams. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at Bonhams and look forward to seeing the business continue to thrive under its new owners.” Read more