LONDON.- Convelio has acquired leading fine art services provider Connoisseur International Fine Art (CIFA), a move that will merge the companies’ teams, including CIFA’s founding directors, Tim Gotts and Jim Williams. This pivotal expansion of the company, which will include CIFA’s physical assets, will evolve Convelio’s services for the UK art market.

The move is an important one for the start-up, which was founded in 2017. It marks the company’s first acquisition of vehicles, comprising six specialised art transport vans, and the acquisition of an experienced team of art technicians and a storage facility. While Convelio has always, and will continue to, work with vetted suppliers around the world to deliver its projects, its acquisition of CIFA will allow it to own the entire process from ideation to delivery of UK projects.

CIFA was established in 2003 and specialises in the packing, transportation and shipping of fine art and antiques worldwide. Its almost two decades of experience has made it adept at delivering a wide range of shipping projects, from local bespoke deliveries to wide scale international shipping and installation. Its reputation for the greatest care, discretion and professionalism has seen it become a close working partner with Sotheby’s, with whom it has enjoyed a longstanding relationship, handling UK logistics.

The acquisition provides Convelio with the assets to offer a white glove service for its UK-based clients, to work with blue chip galleries and international auction houses that require close control of all elements of a project. This is particularly significant for Convelio’s shipments of high-value artworks.

Convelio’s CEO, Edouard Gouin, says of the acquisition: “The acquisition of CIFA marks a significant milestone for Convelio in the UK market, as it further strengthens our capabilities and expands our service offering to meet the needs of our customers. CIFA’s exceptional track record in managing the value chain of some of the industry’s most prestigious players will be a valuable asset to our business, and we are excited to integrate their expertise into the Convelio family. This acquisition reflects our commitment to building trust with our customers and enhancing our position in the market.”

Convelio’s UK General Manager, Joseph Abisaleh says: “We have been working with the CIFA team for the last few years and have been impressed by their commitment and expertise. We are convinced that we will be able to offer a renewed art shipping experience for our UK clients by coupling customer experience, technology and deep art shipping expertise”.

CIFA’s co-founder, Tim Gotts, says: “We are delighted to join Convelio. To add our team of skilled art technicians, specialised art transport vehicles, and long experience of operating in the fine art market to Convelio’s refreshing approach and commitment will create a new and unique service for the Art Market.”