MCH Group which owns and operates Art Basel has acquired a majority shareholding in Masterpiece London. The Group now holds 67.5 per cent of the shares in the well-established event, which was founded when the Grosvenor House Fair lost its Mayfair venue. MCH Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, organizes and hosts about 90 exhibitions, including the globally leading Art Basel, shows in Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong, alongside Design Miami, Design Miami Basel and India Art Fair.
“We are impressed by the unique concept of Masterpiece London”
The group stated in a press release on Thursday 30 November; “Masterpiece perfectly complements MCH Group’s existing portfolio of high calibre art fairs. We believe that our unique approach as the leading international cross-collecting fair will prove a great success in new territories and we are excited at the prospect of expanding Masterpiece London internationally”.
René Kamm, CEO of MCH Group, commented: “We are impressed by the unique concept of Masterpiece London and its successful development in the past few years. Masterpiece London is the perfect match for MCH Group’s ‘Global Collector Events Strategy’. It unites collector groups from different sectors and holds great development potential. MCH Group is setting out to support the fair in its further development, enabling them to expand their position to new regions. It is our common objective to strengthen our position in the buoyant global collector market calling for new collector events.”
Managing Director Lucie Kitchener, with the current ten-strong team, will be responsible for the new Business Unit within MCH Group under the leadership of CEO René Kamm. She joined Masterpiece London in January 2017 having previously held senior roles in the luxury goods sector. Philip Hewat-Jaboor will continue as Chairman of the Fair. The three founders, Harry Apter, Simon Philips and Harry Van der Hoorn, will continue to support the management team on the Board, together with Board Advisor, Ruth Kennedy.
Masterpiece London’s ninth edition will take place from 28 June to 4 July 2018 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Photo: P C Robinson © Artlyst 2017
Visit Masterpiece Here