H. Davidson and Co. is to cease trading on May 1 after nearly 40 years in business — but its dive shop and some of its wholesale unit will remain in operation under new ownership.

The Thistle Gallery, on Park Street, Hamilton, an antique and collectibles store also owned by the business, is to close and its contents will be auctioned off on Sunday.

Cesar Botelho, a long-standing employee of H. Davidson and Co., is to take over some parts of the company.

"I have worked here for 14 years and I'm going to buy out the business," Mr. Botelho told The Royal Gazette last night.

"I'm going to continue with the dive shop and the name will change. And I will also keep part of the wholesale store."

The dive shop is also on Park Street.

Mr. Botelho declined to comment on the future of the firm's staff, referring this newspaper to owner Hugh Davidson. Mr. Davidson did not respond to a message left for him by this newspaper yesterday.

A public preview for the items for sale at the Thistle Gallery will be held there today, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tomorrow, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The auction, overseen by Hammers, will start at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Items for sale will include a collective of Chinese Export porcelain, dating from the 17th century, said auctioneer Andrea Casling, as well a collection of Boer War carvings in Bermuda cedar.

See pictures on page 21