Legal Challenges Mount Against Pierre Bergé & Associés Over 2024 Auction
Following a disputed auction on June 28, 2024, named 'La Collection Berger, une dynastie de collectionneurs,' which garnered €1.2 million, two legal actions have been filed against Pierre Bergé & Associés (PBA). A Swiss antique dealer alleges that three pieces of furniture were sold without his approval, having been entrusted to Jean Berger. The lawsuit implicates Alain Berger, SAS Nouvelle Société PBA, auctioneer Alexandre Landre, and SAS PBA Beaune. According to the plaintiff's attorney, Me Pierre Favre, there was collusion to conduct the sale without proper authorization. While no date has been set for the civil case, a criminal complaint regarding breach of trust is currently under investigation. Others have also come forward as civil parties, reporting similar unauthorized auction incidents. PBA was taken over by the Millon Group after entering judicial liquidation in March 2023.
Key facts
- Two legal proceedings (civil and criminal) target Pierre Bergé & Associés (PBA) over a 2024 auction.
- The auction 'La Collection Berger, une dynastie de collectionneurs' occurred on June 28, 2024, generating €1.2 million.
- A Parisian antique dealer in Switzerland claims three lots of his antique furniture were sold without his consent.
- The complaint names Alain Berger, SAS Nouvelle Société PBA, Alexandre Landre, and SAS PBA Beaune.
- A criminal complaint for breach of trust and receiving stolen goods has triggered a preliminary investigation.
- About ten other parties have reportedly joined as civil claimants in the criminal case with similar allegations.
- The Millon Group's recent acquisition of PBA did not include liabilities from this ongoing litigation.
- Pierre Bergé & Associés was founded in 2002, placed in judicial liquidation in March 2023, and later restructured.
Entities
Institutions
- Pierre Bergé & Associés (PBA)
- SAS Nouvelle Société PBA
- Groupe Millon
- SAS PBA Beaune
- Le Journal des Arts
- Conseil des Maisons de vente
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Switzerland
- Beaune
- Londres
- Royaume-Uni