Robert Edward Auctions, one of the hobby's leading auction houses dedicated to the sale of sportscards and memorabilia, today announced it has acquired the Maryland-based auction house of Huggins & Scott. The two companies will continue to operate independently, with Huggins & Scott as a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Edward Auctions (REA).
"We're extremely excited to add Huggins & Scott to the Robert Edward Auctions team," said REA President Brian Dwyer. "They've developed a very loyal following over their many years in business, and we're looking forward to building upon their reputation as a trusted destination for collectors."
Founded by Bill Huggins in 2002, the company has conducted over 100 catalog auctions during that time. Earlier this year, Bill passed away unexpectedly, leaving a hole in the hobby and in the day-to-day operations of Huggins & Scott. This acquisition allows Huggins & Scott to continue to deliver service to clients and produce auctions as it would under Bill's guidance while also leveraging the tremendous network and resources of REA. Operations at Huggins & Scott will be business as usual while the two companies get to work implementing technological and operational upgrades which will serve to improve the client experience while also offering new features and consignment incentives, such as cash advances, to its legion of loyal clients.
"As a family, we're thrilled to see our dad's legacy carried on through this acquisition," said Bill's son, Ricky Huggins. "This was something that he talked about being a positive move for the company well before his unfortunate passing. We're happy that REA will work with the hardworking and dedicated employees of Huggins & Scott to do the work that dad loved so much for his clients."
Industry veteran Ron Oser, who worked alongside Bill for nearly a decade and considered him a dear friend and mentor, will assume the role of Vice President and Director of Consignments for Huggins & Scott, working to build the auctions as well as provide leadership and experience in this new endeavor. Mathew Flores, the company's longtime Director of Operations, will remain in that role and oversee day to day operations at the Silver Spring, Maryland, location. Brian Dwyer will oversee the two companies.
"This brings together two companies with great reputations and decades of experience in our hobby," said Ron Oser. "It's an incredible opportunity for all involved, and we look forward to working with the REA team to achieve even greater success for Huggins & Scott, its clients, and to honor Bill's many years of commitment to his work and his friends in the collecting community."
Huggins & Scott's Summer Auction will open for bidding on July 21 as the first auction under new ownership. Interested bidders can register for the site now . Auction highlights will be on display at the company's booth during the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, Illinois, starting July 26 and going through July 30. In advance of the auction opening, additional details will be forthcoming about changes to Huggins & Scott's platform to ensure that all bidders and consignors are equipped to participate in this exciting auction.
