Hindman To Merge With Freemans, Americas Oldest Auction House
January 19, 2024
The auction house Hindman recently announced that it will continue to expand its national footprint by merging with Philadelphia-based Freemans. With a combined six salerooms and 18 regional offices across the country, Freemans and Hindman stand to have the largest coast-to-coast presence of any auction house in the U.S., with plans to expand into international markets. The union of these two businesses represents the foundation of a dynamic and comprehensive company well-positioned to lead the upper-middle auction market. Under the name Freemans Hindman, the company is combining their digital infrastructures into a singular website and targeted online initiatives. Hindman was formed through the merger of two auction houses, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers (est. 1982) and Cowans Auctions (est. 1995). Hindman is headquartered in Chicago, Ill. As one of the first actions, Freemans Hindman will be opening its new permanent New York saleroom shortly at 32 E. 67th St. in the Upper East Sides art district and will have 5,000 square feet of space available to the company. It is setting its sights on New York City as a center of growth. For Freemans, it is a return to the city with a physical presence, although both companies have had senior specialists working there for many years. This move is in response to demand they have established in this key area of the art market. Im truly excited to bring together these two esteemed auction houses under one roof, asserts executive chairman, Jay Frederick Krehbiel. The merger strengthens our advantage in an increasingly competitive auction market and sets us up for continued growth across the United States and globally, especially with Freemans existing international relationship with Lyon & Turnbull. Alyssa D. Quinlan will serve as the merged companys chief executive officer after being appointed CEO at Hindman in January 2023. On the heels of Hindmans most successful year in 2022 and continued strength in 2023, Im thrilled to build upon our momentum and oversee a merged Freemans Hindman, stated Quinlan. Our clients are always our top priority, and I am confident that a combined company will only benefit our buyers and sellers as we further expand both our national and global reach. I look forward to working with and learning from the Freemans team, as our shared vision will ensure a unique company culture, underpinned by integrity and professionalism, and overlaid with enthusiasm and empathy. The new company will boast an extensive network and continue to offer a full suite of services including auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory. Freemans Hindman will integrate technology including a combined online presence and a personal touch to offer adaptable solutions, provide dedicated attention, and deliver impactful, tailored experiences that belie the impressive scale of their operations. This merger heralds an exciting new chapter, continuing Freemans long-standing tradition of embracing change and adapting in response to the times, remarked Alasdair Nichol, deputy chairman. Great things are bound to happen when passionate people with aligned goals collaborate, and I cant wait to see what our two creative and client-centric companies achieve together. Molly Morse Limmer, deputy chairman, says, Hindmans merger with Freemans is an incredible opportunity to pool knowledge and expand our expertise. I am eager to see even more international competition in the saleroom as we further elevate and diversify the material we bring to market. In addition to the exciting plans for an expanded auction calendar, Freemans Hindman is also considering other opportunities at a time of consolidation in the auction art market. Fraser Niven, president of the company, said, I will be focusing on ways to expand across the United States as well as overseas in line with our aim to provide our valued clients access to the international markets they desire. Both businesses have a formidable reputation for service in their local markets, which in Hindmans case is extensive given its footprint. Freemans also has considerable experience in promoting locally consigned property to an international marketplace. This will only increase and develop in the future as our growth plans are achieved. In 2024, marquee auctions will continue to be held in salerooms across the country, with plans to present a coordinated sale schedule in the coming months.
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