Latest news with #Epiris
Sky News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Bonhams-owner Epiris eyes plunge into Merlin aquariums
The private equity backer of businesses including Bonhams, the auctioneer, and Amber Taverns is plotting a bid for a portfolio of aquariums earmarked for disposal by the world's biggest theme park operator. Sky News has learnt that Epiris is among a number of parties preparing to table offers for a number of Sea Life sites in the coming weeks. The auction process - initially reported by Sky News earlier this year - remains at an early stage, with first-round bids yet to be submitted. The aquariums have been put up for sale by Merlin Entertainments, which wants to prioritise investment in its biggest international sites - including in London. The London attraction is not part of the auction. Merlin is jointly owned by the private equity giant Blackstone and the investment vehicle of the family behind the Lego dynasty, and counts Alton Towers, Legoland and Madame Tussauds among its British venues. The group owns more than 40 aquariums globally, many of which trade under the Sea Life brand. In the UK, there are 11 such attractions, including in London, Birmingham and Manchester - which are not for sale - and Blackpool, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Loch Lomond, Scarborough and Weymouth. The potential disposals only relate to Merlin's aquariums division and do not encompass any other area of its operations, which include Legoland, Madame Tussauds and Alton Towers. Epiris declined to comment on its interest. A Merlin spokesperson said earlier this year: "Like any well-run business, Merlin regularly reviews its estate, to ensure it reflects the company's long-term growth strategy.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Céline Assimon Named Chief Commercial Officer at Bonhams
LONDON — Céline Assimon, the former chief executive officer of De Beers Jewellers, has been appointed chief commercial officer at Bonhams, the international auction house headquartered on New Bond Street, WWD has learned. Her appointment was confirmed in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday morning. More from WWD Delphine Viguier-Hovasse Named L'Oréal Chief Innovation and Prospective Officer EXCLUSIVE: More Executive Changes for Flos B&B Group as Arclinea Family CEO Steps Down Nancy Astor's Turquoise and Diamond Cartier Tiara Hits the Auction Block at Bonhams 'Excited to share that I have joined Bonhams as chief commercial officer. I am privileged to be a part of this international auction house, which was established in 1793 in London, and I look forward to contributing to its rich legacy. A big thank you to Chabi Priscilla Nouri and Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard for their [Nouri and Hoejsgaard] trust,' Assimon said in a post. Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the four original Georgian London auction houses. It is owned by Epiris, the U.K.-based private equity company, and has 14 salerooms across the globe, selling items in more than 60 collecting categories. Assimon joined De Beers in 2020 and left at the end of February. As reported, De Beers wished her 'the very best for all future endeavors,' and said a search is underway to recruit a successor. The company said Assimon 'successfully repositioned De Beers Jewellers as a design-led luxury brand through the expansion of our creative product portfolio in core collections and high jewelery.' It added that Assimon 'built the jeweler's global brand presence through relationships with market leading partners and laid the groundwork for the launch of its Rue de la Paix flagship store in Paris later this year.' The brand is set to open the flagship in the fourth quarter in a building that has recently been renovated. De Beers also credited Assimon with revamping the look and feel of the brand. 'Over the course of nearly five years, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as the custodian of De Beers Jewellers,' said Assimon, adding that she was particularly proud of the rebranding and upcoming ad campaign. 'Collaborating with my team to research and articulate its distinctive DNA has been a remarkable adventure. The blend of African heritage with a touch of London sophistication resonates deeply,' she added. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Maje Names Charlotte Tasset Ferrec CEO Nadja Swarovski Exits Family Company Amid Ongoing Corporate Shakeup Aeffe MD Exits Fashion Group
