Two of Europe’s major bloodstock auction companies, Doncaster Bloodstock Sales of the UK, and Goffs of Ireland, have merged.
Goffs is Ireland’s number one, while Donaster is second to Tattersalls in the UK. The duo started talks back in April which have led to the merger. DBS is run by the Beeby family and involved in building a new £5.5-million sales complex at Doncaster.
Goffs, which has had a number of revamps in its history and counts the Aga Khan among its shareholders, made its first move into the English market with a breeze-up sale at Kempton Park Racecourse earlier this year.
Goffs Bloodstock Sales and Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd. will join up under the Robert J. Goff and Co. Plc. banner, with sales continuing in Ireland and at both Doncaster and Kempton in UK.
Goffs took a majority shareholding in the leading French sales company Arqana last year.
The combined entity will offer a program of 22 sales, cataloging over 10,000 horses each year, with an expected turnover of over 200 million euros annually.
A press release announcing the sale said: "Goffs and Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd have announced a landmark merger forming a bloodstock auction house that promises to become Europe’s leading bloodstock auctioneer. Both companies have been performing very strongly in recent years with Goffs more than doubling turnover and trebling profitability in the past two years and DBS recording significant gains in the same period."
In the new structure, Henry Beeby, currently managing director of DBS, will become group chief executive and move to Ireland. He will continue to make regular visits to Hawick in Scotland where DBS has its offices and oversee every sale at Goffs and DBS.
Oliver O’Reilly will continue as chairman of R.J. Goff & Co. while Eimear Mulhern will become executive vice chairman.
The existing teams in Kill, the Goffs headquarters, and DBS will continue with the day-to-day running of each venue under the direction of Beeby who will continue as managing director of DBS as well as chief executive officer of Goffs.
The release added: "No name changes will take place initially...however, in time, a merging of the ethos and brands will take place and the annual program of sales will become harmonized, with coordination of aspects such as physical inspections prior to sales selection."
Beeby commented: "Goffs and DBS have always had a lot in common and it makes perfect sense for us to join together and merge in what we all very much see as a link-up by two very similar organizations. The combined entity will be run by two teams who will only complement each other and we guarantee that the Goffs Group will offer an unrivalled service to the bloodstock industry. We will be the most customer-focused, horse-friendly auction house and will literally have a sale every month to cater to every sector of the market at every price range."
Eimear Mulhern added: "This amalgamation gives the combined entity significant market share in Europe and our target is to become a truly global auction house by offering quality, value and excellent customer service in a modern, progressive and well managed sales company.
"Both teams have a lot to bring to the table and we look forward to working together to make this new venture a huge success."