LONDON, UK.- Christie’s International announced today worldwide sales totaling £1.35 billion ($2.46 billion) for 2004, an increase in 13% in £ and 25% in $. This figure represents auction sales of £1.27 billion ($2.31 billion) and private sales of £83 million ($151 million), highlighted by Christie’s negotiation of the sale of Duccio’s Madonna and Child to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In Christie’s salesrooms around the world, 227 works of art sold for more than $1 million, led by the Badminton Cabinet, which fetched £19,045,250 ($36,662,106) in the sale of Important European Furniture, Sculpture and Carpets in London on December 9.

“2004 was an extremely strong year for Christie's, with significant sales growth driven principally by our sales in Asia, and by new clients collecting and investing in all categories, most notably Impressionist and Modern Art, Post-War and Contemporary Art and 20th Century Decorative Art and Design as well as Jewellery and Watches,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s International.

“The 25% growth in sales seen in 2004 coupled with careful cost control and rigorous risk management has resulted in strong profit performance for the group. The increasing financial strength of the Company reinforces our ability to invest in the highest level of expertise and to offer the most competitive terms and compelling marketing strategies to sellers, enabling us to continue to sell the finest works of art and other property to an increasing audience of wealthy buyers around the world.

The 2005 international auction season promises to be exhilarating with numerous private collections coming up for sale around the globe. In Europe, Christie’s is looking forward to the sale of the Collection of the entrepreneur and munificent philanthropist Antonio Champalimaud, to be offered at Christie’s in London in July. Christie’s New York is preparing for the evening sales of impressionist and modern and post-war and contemporary art, featuring Property from the Maspro Art Museum, Property from the Collection of David B. Pall and an Important American Collection Sold to Benefit the Jewish Communal Fund.”