LONDON.- Crozier, an Iron Mountain business and a global leader in fine arts storage and logistics, announced that it has acquired Martinspeed, one of the leading providers of art storage, logistics, and installation in the United Kingdom.
The acquisition will allow Crozier to build on its existing presence in London, the world’s second-largest market for art storage and logistics after New York City. Crozier first entered the London market in 2018 through its acquisition of Christie's Park Royal storage facility. By acquiring Martinspeed, Crozier will gain immediate operational scale and expand its capabilities to include crating, specialist art installation teams, global freight forwarding and a pan-European transport fleet. This will enhance Crozier’s ability to provide clients with a trans-Atlantic platform for full-service storage, logistics, and transport and extend support for existing European operations and capabilities in Zurich and Geneva.
Martinspeed’s corporate offices and secure storage facilities are strategically located in Central London and in Hayes near Heathrow Airport, allowing Martinspeed to operate at an international transit hub where it has complete in-house control of a fully Brexit-compliant customs process. Martinspeed has a strong reputation among galleries and private art collectors as well as serving museums and auction houses.
Simon Hornby, Crozier’s SVP & General Manager of Europe said: “As a global leader in fine art storage and logistics, Crozier works with an increasingly international clientele, who demand comprehensive solutions across multiple countries. The acquisition of Martinspeed, one of the most reputed art shipping and storage companies in the United Kingdom, will allow us to expand our international footprint and deliver the highest level of service across Europe. We also expect to replicate Martinspeed’s industry-leading recycling and carbon footprint reduction programme in all of our markets ”
Simon Sheffield, Executive Chairman of Martinspeed, said, “In Crozier, Martinspeed has found the best new owner to take it to the next level. As part of Crozier, Martinspeed will seamlessly integrate with an expanding global platform to our client’s benefit. I’m also pleased that Martinspeed and its employees will benefit from the dedicated investment Crozier receives as part of Iron Mountain, enabling future growth while retaining the intimate client-service culture we have long cultivated.”
Crozier will maintain Martinspeed’s operations in Central London and Hayes as well as its existing Park Royal facility, from which the combined company will be able to focus on continuing to provide innovative solutions and premier services as the art world looks for support in recovering from the pandemic’s impact. Crozier is looking to retain all employees and Simon Sheffield will remain with the company, supporting Simon Hornby during the transition.
