# Sotheby’s

> Sotheby’s connects collectors and sellers of art, luxury goods and collectibles through live and online auctions, private sales and retail. Founded by bookseller Samuel Baker in 1744, it combines specialist research with a global buyer network and lending against collections. Its preliminary 2025 results reported $7.1 billion in consolidated sales and $1.4 billion in company revenue.

- **Founded:** 1744
- **Headquarters:** New York, United States
- **Founders:** Samuel Baker (Founder and bookseller)
- **Products:** Live and online auctions, Private Sales, Buy Now and retail, Sotheby’s Financial Services, Sotheby’s Maison Hong Kong
- **Notable:** Founded in London in 1744., Began Hong Kong auctions in 1973., Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian sold for $6.2 million including fees in November 2024.

## Products & services

- **Live and online auctions** — Specialist-led sales of fine art, jewelry, watches, wine, design and collectibles; bidding in person, online, by telephone or absentee bid.
- **Private Sales** — Year-round negotiated transactions, collection advice and discreet sourcing outside the auction calendar.
- **Buy Now and retail** — Fixed-price purchasing of art and luxury objects online and in physical retail spaces.
- **Sotheby’s Financial Services** — Loans secured against art, collectible cars and other eligible assets; equity loans, consignor advances and acquisition financing.
- **Sotheby’s Maison Hong Kong** — A 24,000-square-foot exhibition and retail space designed by MVRDV, opened in July 2024.
- **Valuations and collection services** — Estimates, insurance valuations, consignment advice and assistance with shipping, storage and collection management.

## Achievements

- Founded in London in 1744.
- Began Hong Kong auctions in 1973.
- Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian sold for $6.2 million including fees in November 2024.
- Opened its Hong Kong Maison in July 2024 and new New York headquarters in November 2025.
- Reported $7.1 billion in consolidated sales and $1.4 billion in revenue for 2025, preliminary and unaudited.

## Latest updates

- **2026-02** — Released preliminary 2025 results: consolidated sales of $7.1 billion, revenue of $1.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $363 million.
- **2026-02** — Changed buyer’s premiums effective February 13; the first New York tier became 28% on the portion of hammer price up to $2 million.
- **2026-09** — Buyer’s premium help page updated September 9 confirms the 28% / 22% / 15% tier structure for standard New York sales; category exceptions apply.

## Links

- Website: https://www.sothebys.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sothebys/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/sothebys
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCelkSnSbxvIfjjD01uPHHbg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sothebys/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sothebys/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/sothebys
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22