Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund to Acquire Minority Stake in Sotheby’s in $1 Billion Investment Deal

ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based sovereign wealth fund, investment, and holding company, has entered into “a definitive agreement” to acquire a minority interest in Sotheby’s. The deal, valued at $1 billion, will see ADQ purchasing newly issued shares of Sotheby’s. Patrick Drahi, the current majority owner of the auction house, will invest additional capital. The exact breakdown of the investment was not disclosed.

According to a press release, the capital infusion from the investment reflects Sotheby’s interest in the burgeoning economic diversification of the Abu Dhabi region. It’s likely that some of the funds will be earmarked for strengthening Sotheby’s finances and supporting the company’s ambitious and real estate expansion plans.

Earlier this year, the auction house announced a radical new fee structure.  It also announced new retail-minded locations such as the recently opened Maison in central Hong Kong, a new building on Rue de Faubourg in Paris set to open in October, and the iconic Breuer Building in New York, which is scheduled for completion in 2025.

“The additional capital and investment expertise will enable us to accelerate our strategic initiatives, expand our commitment to excellence in the art and luxury markets, and continue to innovate to better serve our clients around the world,” Sotheby’s CEO Charles Stewart said in a press release.

ADQ is a prominent sovereign wealth fund based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  It was established in 2018 as Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADDH) and rebranded to ADQ in 2020. The partnership marks ADQ’s first venture into the cultural sector, reflecting its strategy of diversification and its commitment to bolstering arts and culture domestically. The involvement of ADQ, a major Middle Eastern player, is expected to further solidify Sotheby’s presence in the region, which is one of the fastest-growing markets for art and luxury.

The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approvals.