'Spink Investphila' merger embraces Russia and South America stamp markets

Spink has announced its acquisition of Investphila of Switzerland, promising exciting times ahead for both stamp collectors and investors with a passion for philately.

Investphila was founded 30 years ago in 1981 by its Chairman Guido Craveri, formerly a partner in Harmers Switzerland. Mr Craveri and his team helped established Investphila's success through stamp auctions of South and Central America material as well as Russia.

Investphila was one of the first philatelic auction houses to allow its clients to participate in its auctions via the internet through an internally developed system

Through more than 50 auctions, Investphila's sales broke numerous records and sold important collections including The "Dr. Paolo Bianchi" collection and The "Lipschutz" Collection of Russia, The "Shaida" Collection of Great Britain and The "Concordia" Collection of Uruguay.

Olivier Stocker and Guido Craveri celebrating the new alliance

Through these successes the firm, located in Lugano, has gained a dominant share of the Italian and Swiss philatelic markets. Craveri was formerly nominated Chairman of the Council of Philatelists of the National Postal Museum (the largest and most visited postal museum in the world) in 1997.

Spink has also enjoyed high-level success over the past 12 months, including breaking new ground in philately with its landmark sale of The Chartwell Collection. In just 48 hours, over £5 million worth of stamps were sold.

These included a new UK record for a stamp sold at auction, over £1 million for the 2d. blue Post Office Mauritius. Investphila sold a record-priced CHF3.4million Great Britain 2 May cover 20 years ago, and has continued to achieve records in South America.

Both firms will launch as "Spink Investphila". A maiden sale is scheduled to take place in Lugano in early 2012 and promises "amazing" Latin American Collections and rarities.

Spink's landmark Chartwell sale netted over £1 million for this 2d. blue Post Office Mauritius stamp

"Establishing a presence in Switzerland will enable us to further improve our service to customers around the world," said Spink Chairman and CEO, Olivier Stocker.

"We also believe in the formidable potential of the Russian and South American collectables market.  Additionally, Investphila will further strengthen our market position in the more mature markets of continental Europe."

"Guido has been one of the world's most passionate collectors for the last 30 years ... including the formation of one of the best collections of US postal history ever.  We are all looking forward to working with him and sharing his contagious love for the hobby," said Mr Stocker.

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