Following its expansion to Belgium, Italy, and Austria, French auction house Artcurial has announced ambitious plans to expand to Germany by the end of 2015.

The move follows the company’s strategy of increasing its presence within Europe, but can they crack the lucrative market of Europe’s biggest economy?

To lead the auction house’s expansion, the company has hired Moritz von der Heydte as head of its new German headquarters in Munich. Von der Heydte excelled during a six year stint at Sotheby’s London, and has most recently worked for antique dealers Röbbig in Munich.

Martin Guesnet, Artcurial’s director of European development, has been appointed to support von der Heydte in his new role.

Moritz von der Heydte will head Artcurial’s German office in Munich.
Photo: Artcurial

“I am delighted to join Artcurial where I will be able to defend the colors of this outstanding auction house in Germany,” von der Heydte said in a statement. “I am certain that, with its specific features, Artcurial has the potential to enjoy rapid success in this country.”

Co-chairmen of Artcurial Francis Briest and François Tajan added, “Our arrival in Germany, a country of art collectors and enthusiasts, is a key stage in our international development. The considerable ground work already performed by our offices in Brussels, Milan, and Vienna is helping to drive the upward trend in our market share in Europe.”

Artcurial’s will try to get a foothold in the lucrative German market from its new base in Munich.
Photo: Traveler’s Digest

Founded in 2002, Artcurial is a relative newcomer in the auction world. It has since established itself as one of France’s highest-earning auction establishments and was named one of artnet News’ ten most important auction houses in Europe.