Henley-on-Thames: HMT advises on MBI of Buckingham Fine Arts

HMT LLP, led by partner Paul Read and senior manager Corin Briault-Hutter advised Blue HK Investments and its portfolio company Palace Contemporary Fine Arts on the acquisition of leading UK art publisher Buckingham Fine Art Publishers.

Founded in 1982, Buckingham distributes original artwork and high-quality limited-edition prints to galleries and collectors globally. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading fine art publishers, the company represents some of the country’s most talented artists including Amy Louise, Andrei Protsouk, Ben Jeffery, Chris DeRubeis, Dale Bowen, Edward Waite, Emily Crook, Jean Picton, Kimberley Harris, Leanne Christie and Leigh Lambert. 

Buckingham’s long-standing excellent reputation was built in no small part by the company’s founder and chairman Ray Loud. Palace’s investment enables Loud to step down and take a richly deserved retirement. 

Blue HK’s co investors in Palace are art industry veteran Jonathan Kearns who assumes the role of CEO of Buckingham, David Fitzgerald (COO) and Simon Halliday (CFO). Having been involved in the growth of leading names including Halcyon Gallery, Washington Green and for over a decade as managing director of DeMontfort Fine Art, Jonathan brings unrivalled experience to Buckingham. The other investors will also strengthen and broaden the management team, adding particular skills in operations, finance, and strategy. 

HMT led by Paul Read and Corin Briault-Hutter undertook financial due diligence for Blue HK and Palace on this transaction. 

Trevor Bayley, managing partner of Blue HK and chairman of Palace/Buckingham commented: “I have worked closely with HMT on a series of transactions over the past decade and the firm has always provided a consistently high level of support and advice. Their huge experience of advising on SME businesses across different sectors enables them to identify the key issues for their clients and provide refreshingly commercial advice. We thank Paul and Corin for their support on this exciting investment.”