AuctionsJun 23, 2022
Auction House Freeman’s Appoints First Rep in Florida AuctionsJun 29, 2022
Bonhams Expands Again with Purchase of Paris Auction House
It is the fifth acquisition under the ownership of private equity firm Epiris, which bought Bonhams in 2018.
The inside of Cornette de Saint Cyr auction house in Paris. Bonhams just bought the company, marking its fourth acquisition of 2022 and its fifth since being purchased by a private equity firm in 2018. (© Fatima Jellaoui)
London—Bonhams has acquired another auction house, this time picking up Paris-based Cornette de Saint Cyr.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pierre Cornette de Saint Cyr established the auction house that bears his name in 1973.
Today, his sons Arnaud Cornette de Saint Cyr and Bertrand Cornette de Saint Cyr run the business as CEO and head of valuations and collections, respectively.
Bonhams said Arnaud and Bertrand will remain with the company after the acquisition, and the auction house will operate as Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.
The acquisition of Cornette de Saint Cyr gives Bonhams a second location in Paris in addition to the salesroom it opened in September 2021, and more of a foothold in Europe. In addition to its flagship on Avenue Hoche in Paris, Cornette de Saint Cyr has a saleroom in Brussels, Belgium.
Bonhams CEO Bruno Vinciguerra said the acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to develop into a global player with a balanced presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Arnaud remarked on the “wonderful synergy” between Bonhams and his family’s business.
“This new adventure will help the auction house my father founded go from strength to strength,” he said.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved and much look forward to working with Bonhams to further our goals and our international reach.”
Cornette de Saint Cyr has 16 departments including Jewelry and Collection Clocks, Haute-Couture, Comics & Illustrations, Books & Manuscripts, and Natural History.
It is known for its high-profile single-owner sales, including Alain Delon’s abstract art (2007); the estate of the Franco-Japanese painter Foujita (2011); furniture and fittings from the Hotel Royal Monceau (2008); and the couture collection belonging to Hélène Rochas, the former CEO of French fashion house Rochas. (2016).
In October, the auction house is slated to sell Asian art from the personal collections of members of the Rousset family.
The purchase of Cornette de Saint Cyr marks Bonhams fourth acquisition this year and fifth since U.K. private equity firm Epiris bought it in 2018.
Bonhams bought Stockholm-based Bukowskis, an auction house that dates to 1870, in January, as well as Boston-based Skinner, and Bruun Rasmussen in Denmark in the same week in March.
Prior to that, Bonhams picked up The Market, an online platform for classic cars and motorcycles, in April 2021.
“This acquisition represents a huge step forward for our ambitions in an important market and cements Bonhams’ position as the world’s leading core-market auction house,” Epiris partner Alex Fortescue said of the purchase of Cornette de Saint Cyr.
“Well-planned and well-executed mergers and acquisitions are a key part of our strategy to add scale, strategic position, and growth to the companies that Epiris invests in. Bonhams really embodies this.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
