N e w s

Thw american concern E-Bay, the largest in the world auction in the Internet, is intended, in all probability, to acquire Sotheby's, the richest in traditions British auction. As the Independent on Sunday informs, E-Bay offered $1.5 billion to Sotheby's. Apparently, the American Giant is intended to take advantage of the critical situation for the British auction. At present time, the investigation is being held against Sotheby's concerning the price collusion. The bodies of supervision for the free competition in Great Britain and USA are trtying to clearify weather Sotheby's is in collusion concerning the commission rates with its competitor Christie's. Meanwhile, the rate for the shares of Sotheby's has fallen by 20%.

Source: RBK