Stanley Gibbons Limited and AHB Realisations Limited (formerly A.H.Baldwin & Sons Limited)

Edward Williams, Timothy Higgins and Peter Dickens of PwC have been appointed as Joint Administrators of Stanley Gibbons Limited and AHB Realisations Limited (formerly A.H.Baldwin & Sons Limited) (“the Companies”). 

The appointment was made on 22 December 2023. 

Immediately on appointment, the Joint Administrators completed a sale of the business and assets of the Companies to Strand Collectibles Group Limited. The deal successfully transfers 66 jobs and provides an ongoing platform for the full operations of both companies including the rights of the partial owners of the world famous 1c Magenta stamp.

The Companies are the trading entities of the Stanley Gibbons group, which has a distinguished heritage in collectibles dating back to 1856 with a particular focus on rare stamps and coins. They operate from a head office on the Strand, London, with a secondary site in Ringwood, Hampshire. Despite strong growth in auctions this year and new partnerships in publications, the Companies were unable to find a solution to historical liabilities including pensions, legacy acquisitions, leases and debt. Several options were explored to resolve these liabilities, however satisfactory solutions were not found. An unsuccessful solvent sale process was undertaken which led to the decision that the Companies would be required to enter Administration prior to a business and assets sale. 

Edward Williams.  Joint Administrator and partner, PwC, said:

“On an accelerated basis, we’re pleased to have completed this very complex transaction which provides certainty for a renowned business with more than 160 years of rich heritage. The sale will see the seamless transfer of all 66 employees who will continue to provide their incredible service and expertise to the Companies’ broad and loyal customer base.”

^{Edward Williams, Timothy Higgins and Peter Dickens have been appointed as Joint Administrators of the Companies to manage their affairs, business and property as their agents and act without personal liability. The Joint Administrators are licensed in the United Kingdom to act as insolvency practitioners by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The Joint Administrators are bound by the Insolvency Code of Ethics which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/insolvency-practitioner-code-of-ethics. 
 
The Joint Administrators may act as controllers of personal data as defined by UK data protection law depending upon the specific processing activities undertaken. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP may act as a processor on the instructions of the Joint Administrators. Personal data will be kept secure and processed only for matters relating to the Joint Administrators’ appointment. Further details are available in the privacy statement on the PwC.co.uk website or by contacting the Joint Administrators}