Sotheby’s, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an auctioneer of various properties. It operates in three segments: Auction, Finance, and Dealer. The Auction segment auctions fine art, antiques and decorative art, jewelry, and collectibles, as well as engages in brokering private purchases and sale of fine art, antiques and decorative arts, jewelry, and collectibles. The Finance segment offers certain collectors and dealers with financing, primarily secured by works of art that the company has in its possession or permits the borrower to possess; and involves in licensing activities. The Dealer segment sells works of art directly to private collectors and museums and, as well as acts as a broker in private purchases and sales of art. Sotheby's operates principally in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. The company was founded in 1744 and is headquartered in New York, New York.