History

Founded in 1991 with a mysterious fax reading “The deed is done,” Wyles Hardy & Co. has grown into a leading name in the valuation and auction industry, renowned for handling prestigious cases from luxury supercars to high-profile asset sales with professionalism and integrity.

1991
  • Wyles Hardy & Co. is Established

    The company was founded in 1991 as a specialised asset recovery and auction house, initially focusing on a variety of sectors, including automotive, industrial equipment, engineering, manufacturing and automotive.
  • Software
    Bluebird Software PLC

    Bluebird Software plc.

    One of the first major projects and first auction for Wyles Hardy & Co. Managing the asset disposal for Bluebird Software plc, this set the stage for the company's future in handling high-profile business asset sales.
  • Airline

    Trans European Airways (UK) Limited

    Wyles Hardy & Co were instructed by the Liquidators to manage the private treaty sale of assets for the distressed Trans European Airways (UK) Ltd. (TEA), a once-prominent Belgian airline, that operated from 1971 to 1991.
    1992
  • Automotive

    The Leasing Corporation Limited

    Wyles Hardy oversaw the disposal of assets of The Leasing Corporation Limited. This project reinforced our expertise in finance-related asset auctions and paved the way for similar future engagements.
    1993
  • Manufacturing

    Empire Paper Limited

    Instructed on a large-scale auction of the assets for the sale of Empire Paper Limited, including equipment and site facilities. This was one of Wyles Hardy's early successes in managing large, complex auctions for insolvency clients.
  • Motor Racing

    Simtek Grand Prix Limited

    Conducted an auction of the assets of Simtek Grand Prix Limited Formula 1 team, dealing with high-value racing assets. This highlighted Wyles Hardy’s ability to handle specialised and prestigious sports industry auctions.
    1995
  • Computer

    ESCOM UK Limited

    Managed the sale of assets for the administration of ESCOM UK Limited, a major computer retailer.
    1996
  • Marine

    Astrid Class II Sail Training Vessel

    Wyles Hardy secured this tall ship in Antigua and hired a crew to sail the vessel to the UK. This unique job showcased our versatility in managing complex, high-value assets.
    1997
  • Educational Establishment

    West Heath Limited

    Wyles Hardy & Co. played a pivotal role in the sale of assets for the administration of Lady Diana’s former school.
  • Airline

    Debonair Airways Limited

    Wyles Hardy were instrumental in managing the asset disposal for the joint receivers of Debonair Airways Limited, one of the UK's early low-cost airlines. This project included the sale of aviation assets and reinforced our expertise in the airline industry.
    1999
  • Plant Machinery

    City Truck Group Limited

    Conducted asset disposal for the administrators of City Truck Group Limited, involving heavy equipment and transport assets.
    2002
  • Airline

    Swiss Air (UK) Limited

    Assisted the liquidators of Swiss Air UK Limited’s assets following the airline's financial troubles. This included specialised aviation equipment and underscored Wyles Hardy’s role in handling international airline assets.
  • Digital TV

    ITV Digital Holdings Limited

    Wyles Hardy handled the disposal of assets for ITV Digital Holdings Limited, including broadcasting and media equipment.
  • Motor Racing

    TWR Group Limited

    Conducted the assets sale for the administrators of the TWR Group Limited, a notable engineering firm in motorsport. This auction involved high-value motorsport engineering equipment.
    2003
  • Manufacturing

    Richard Roberts Knitwear Limited

    Acting as agent, we managed the disposal of their manufacturing equipment, central to the companies operation.
  • Engineering

    Mayflower Corporation plc.

    As acting agent we provided comprehensive valuation advice for the asset disposal for Mayflower Corporation plc., a key player in manufacturing and engineering.
    2004
  • Automotive

    Bentley ‘Old Number 1’

    Appointed to create and manage the worldwide marketing and sale of this legendary racing car.
  • Airline

    Emerald Airways Limited

    Wyles Hardy managed the administration for Emerald Airways Limited, handling aviation assets and related equipment.
    2005
  • Automotive

    MG Sports and Racing

    Conducted the disposal of MG’s Sports and Racing assets following the company’s financial difficulties.
  • Film Archive

    Douris UK Limited

    Wyles Hardy managed the sale of rare film assets from the Buster Keaton collection, including original film reels and memorabilia. This unique sale underscored our capability to manage historic and entertainment-related assets.
    2007
  • Motorcycle Racing

    Team Foggy Racing Limited

    As agent we managed the asset disposal for Team Foggy Racing Limited, a motorsport team, including high-value racing equipment.
    2008
  • Retail

    Entertainment UK Limited

    Conducted the assets sale of Entertainment UK Limited, which included their materials handling equipment.
  • Marine

    Bernie Madoff’s Superyacht ‘Bull’

    Wyles Hardy played a role in the disposal of Bernie Madoff's luxury superyacht.
  • Manufacturing

    Waterford Wedgwood UK plc.

    Assisted with the asset valuation of Waterford Wedgwood UK plc., including the sale of luxury ceramics and tableware.
    2009
  • Automotive

    1 Car 1 Limited

    Conducted the disposal for 1 Car 1 Limited, a vehicle rental company, involving a large automotive fleet.
  • Manufacturing

    Pan African Paper Mills Limited

    Wyles Hardy conducted a detailed valuation for Pan African Paper Mills Limited, a significant African paper manufacturer.
    2010
  • Automotive

    Bristol Cars Limited

    Conducted the asset disposal for Bristol Cars Limited, a notable British luxury car manufacturer involving prestigious automotive assets.
    2011
  • Retail

    HMV Group plc

    Managed the asset sale of the HMV Groups retail fixtures and inventory.
    2013
  • Motor Racing

    Caterham Formula 1

    Conducted the auction of Caterham F1’s assets, including Formula 1 race cars and equipment. This was a significant project in the world of motorsports and high-value racing assets.
    2014
  • Sporting Memorabilia

    Boris Becker’s Memorabilia

    Auctioned personal memorabilia belonging to tennis legend Boris Becker.
    2017
  • Manufacturing

    Bloodhound Programme

    Conducted an appraisal for the Bloodhound land-speed record project, including high-value engineering assets.
    2018
  • Automotive

    Coys of Kensington Limited

    Appointed to oversee the sale of assets for Coys of Kensington Limited, a renowned car auctioneer. This involved classic and luxury automotive assets.
    2020
  • Manufacturing

    Flexible Machining Systems Limited

    Conducted asset disposal for Flexible Machining Systems Limited, the engineering firm. This auction involved high-tech machining equipment.
    2023
  • Motor Racing

    W Series Limited

    Managed the disposal of assets for W Series Limited, a women’s motor racing championship, including racing equipment and assets. This auction reflected our commitment to motorsports and support for emerging racing platforms.
2025