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 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
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.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
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.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
