The World’s Oldest Auction House in Historic Deal: Stockholms Auktionsverk Acquires Uppsala Auktionskammare

Stockholms Auktionsverk, the world’s oldest auction house founded in 1674, today announces the acquisition of Uppsala Auktionskammare. The deal marks a historic milestone in Swedish auction history and signals the beginning of the most comprehensive quality auction offering in the Nordic region.

Founded in 1731, Uppsala Auktionskammare has established itself as one of the most distinctive and successful auction houses in the Nordics, renowned for its focus on high-end Fine Art auctions and its solid expertise in art, antiques, design and jewellery. With offices and showrooms in Stockholm, Uppsala, Gothenburg and Malmö, the house boasts a strong client base of both Swedish and international buyers and sellers.

Stockholms Auktionsverk, operating across ten locations in Sweden, Finland and Germany, is the world’s oldest auction house and a market leader in both online auctions and prestigious live sales in Sweden. It is home to Sweden’s largest team of specialists, curating a wide range of auctions – from Fine Art to exclusive themed sales. In 2024, Stockholms Auktionsverk posted record growth of 11 percent and continues to show strong momentum in 2025, with increased sales, volume, and profitability.

“This is a historic day for the Swedish and Nordic auction market, and I’m thrilled to welcome Uppsala Auktionskammare to our group. Their entrepreneurial spirit, strong client relationships and top-tier Fine Art expertise will be key pillars as we build Sweden’s most attractive auction offering for local and international customers together. I am confident that our unique combination of leading expertise and physical and digital scale puts us in a strong position for this exciting journey ahead,” says Cecilia Gave, CEO of Stockholms Auktionsverk.

Cecilia Gave will serve as CEO of both Stockholms Auktionsverk and Uppsala Auktionskammare, which will merge under the Stockholms Auktionsverk name upon closing of the acquisition at the end of August. However, the Uppsala Auktionskammare brand will live on in its hometown of Uppsala.

In connection with the transaction, Sofie Bexhed and Magnus Bexhed, both co-owners of Uppsala Auktionskammare, have decided to leave the company. Magnus Bexhed has been active in Uppsala Auktionskammare for 19 years and has been the company's CEO since 2011.

“This feels positive and completely logical – and Uppsala Auktionskammare could not be in better hands. I’ve lived and breathed this company for many years and loved every minute of it, but I also want the chance to explore something new in life. Sofie and I will continue working with what we love and do best – art, design and antiques – but now outside the auction world. We really look forward to following the new Stockholms Auktionsverk's success going forward,” says Magnus Bexhed.

Beloved auction personality Knut Knutson, majority owner of Uppsala Auktionskammare since 1996, will take on the role of Chief Curator in the new organization and shareholder in the group.

“The two Swedish auction houses with the richest heritage are joining forces and making history – it’s truly a remarkable moment. I’m incredibly proud of the success and very strong position that the outstanding team at Uppsala Auktionskammare has built, and I look forward to reaching new heights together with Stockholms Auktionsverk. It will be a great pleasure to continue driving value, expertise and client relationships together with Cecilia Gave and the Stockholms Auktionsverk team,” says Knut Knutson.

For more information – and interview requests, please contact:
Dan Panas, Head of Press, Stockholms Auktionsverk
Cell: +46 701 865 290
Email: dan.panas@auktionsverket.se