It means that Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions (D&BA), TFAAG's operational arm, can now begin to integrate the two businesses, which together are seen as significantly enhancing Stanley Gibbons' influence in the fine antiques and decorative arts market.
With major retail and auction brands at its disposal, the business hopes to improve its market share of both auction consignments and the increasingly lucrative private treaty sales on both sides of the Atlantic.
Bloomsbury Auctions expect to capitalise on the direct access Mallett's New York base will give them to the North American market for both antiquarian books and manuscripts as well as modern and contemporary prints and photographs.
As well as their Dover Street galleries, Mallett bring their interest in Masterpiece Fairs to the table, along with H.J. Hatfield & Sons, the restoration and conservation studio.
"The acquisition of Mallett's operations is in line with Stanley Gibbons' strategy of creating an online platform with the most comprehensive range of client services at all price points," says Stephan Ludwig, CEO of the newly established Fine Arts division fo Stanley Gibbons.
He will oversee the further integration of Mallett's London, New York and Hong Kong operations into those of Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions.
Recently appointed D&BA chairman George Bailey will also become divisional chairman, while Giles Hutchinson Smith will continue to lead Mallett's UK and Asian dealing activities, with Henry Neville as President of Mallett USA.
Mr Ludwig told ATG: "The continuation of Mallett's premium retail activities, supported by its exceptional and diverse stock, and D&BA's multiple auction services naturally lie at the core of our strategy. Both businesses occupy important niches and together will facilitate a substantially enhanced service to all of the group's clients. We will build on Mallett's reputation as a key destination for connoisseurs across an enlarged product range."
• As ATG went to press, coin dealers and auctioneers Baldwin's, who are also part of the Stanley Gibbons roup confirmed that they would be open for business in their new premises at 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX from Monday, October 27. Their phone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged.
