AuctionsMar 03, 2022
Michael Caine’s Rolex Sells for $133K at AuctionAuctionsMar 23, 2022
Auction House Bonhams Announces Second Acquisition in a Week
The company recently scooped up Boston-based Skinner and Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers, a Danish auction house.
Skinner headquarters in Boston, left, and an auction in progress at Bruun Rasmussen in Copenhagen, Denmark. Bonhams recently acquired both companies for undisclosed amounts, marking the second and third auction houses it’s bought this year.
London—Bonhams has announced two acquisitions this month, bringing its year-to-date total to three following January’s purchase of Bukowskis in Stockholm, Sweden.
On March 16, the London-based private equity-owned auction house announced the acquisition of American auction house Skinner, which is based in Boston, has a saleroom in Marlborough, Massachusetts and conducts online sales.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Robert W. Skinner Jr. opened Skinner in 1962. His first employee, Stephen Fletcher, is now executive vice president and chief auctioneer, and owns the company alongside CEO Karen Keane.
Skinner holds about 80 sales a year across 20 categories, including jewelry and gemstones.
Notable sales include a Qing Dynasty vase that set a record when it sold for $24.7 million in 2014, the $5.5 million sale of the painting “Manchester Harbor” by Fitz Henry Lane, and what is believed to the oldest known bottle of whisky (c. 1860s), which sold for $137,500 in June 2021.
Bonhams said Fletcher, Keane and the entire Skinner staff will be joining Bonhams, and the auction house will operate as Bonhams Skinner.
Bonhams, which already has salesrooms in New York and Los Angeles, said buying Skinner will give it greater access to the North American market.
“Skinner is such an iconic presence in New England, and much-loved and celebrated for the rich treasures it offers,” Bonhams CEO Bruno Vinciguerra said.
“It also has a well-established digital footprint throughout North America that complements Bonhams’ presence, which will allow both companies to reach more consignors and buyers.”
Related stories will be right here …
On March 16, the London-based private equity-owned auction house announced the acquisition of American auction house Skinner, which is based in Boston, has a saleroom in Marlborough, Massachusetts and conducts online sales.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Robert W. Skinner Jr. opened Skinner in 1962. His first employee, Stephen Fletcher, is now executive vice president and chief auctioneer, and owns the company alongside CEO Karen Keane.
Skinner holds about 80 sales a year across 20 categories, including jewelry and gemstones.
Notable sales include a Qing Dynasty vase that set a record when it sold for $24.7 million in 2014, the $5.5 million sale of the painting “Manchester Harbor” by Fitz Henry Lane, and what is believed to the oldest known bottle of whisky (c. 1860s), which sold for $137,500 in June 2021.
Bonhams said Fletcher, Keane and the entire Skinner staff will be joining Bonhams, and the auction house will operate as Bonhams Skinner.
Bonhams, which already has salesrooms in New York and Los Angeles, said buying Skinner will give it greater access to the North American market.
“Skinner is such an iconic presence in New England, and much-loved and celebrated for the rich treasures it offers,” Bonhams CEO Bruno Vinciguerra said.
“It also has a well-established digital footprint throughout North America that complements Bonhams’ presence, which will allow both companies to reach more consignors and buyers.”
Bonhams followed the Skinner news with Tuesday’s announcement that it has purchased Bruun Rasmussen, the leading auction house in Denmark.
Financial terms of that deal were not disclosed either.
Bruun Rasmussen is headquartered in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, selling live via its salesrooms in the city center as well as online. The company is also the subject of a documentary series that has aired on Danish TV since 2013, “Auktionshuset.”
It sells more than 75,000 lots each year across a wide variety of categories, including jewelry as well as watches and clocks.
Established in 1948 by Arne Bruun Rasmussen, the auction house is currently chaired by the founder’s son, Jesper Bruun Rasmussen, who has headed the company since 1985.
Following the acquisition, Jesper will stay on as chairman emeritus, and Jakob Dupont will remain CEO.
In addition, Bonhams will retain the entire Bruun Rasmussen staff and the auction house will be known as Bruun Rasmussen—part of the Bonhams Network.
“This is Bonhams’ third recent acquisition and its fourth under the ownership of Epiris,” said Owen Wilson, a partner at Epiris.
“Bruun Rasmussen is a highly complementary addition to the Bonhams family, building on its presence in the important Nordic market and offering plentiful opportunities to develop synergies between the two auction houses’ networks and brands.”
Epiris is the private equity firm that purchased Bonhams, which was founded in London in 1793, in 2018.
Since then, the company has been sinking money into expanding Bonhams’ digital capabilities, marketing, new hires and acquisitions.
In addition to Bukowskis, Skinner and Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams bought The Market in April 2021, an online platform for classic cars and motorcycles.
More on Auctions
The Latest
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
