Ritchie Bros. to acquire Euro Auctions for US$1 billion

Ritchie. Bros sells equipment around the world

It has been announced that industrial equipment auctioneer Ritchie Bros. has agreed a deal to acquire Euro Auctions for UK£775 million (US$1.07 billion).

Euro Auctions is a heavy machinery auctioneer that was founded in 1998 and operates in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory clearances and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

In a press release Ritchie Bros. said that it will be retaining Euro Auctions employees and its brand, both of which are highly regarded in the EMEA region.

“Ritchie Bros. and Euro Auctions are an ideal fit with a united goal to make asset insights, service offerings and disposition solutions easier than ever,” said Ann Fandozzi, Ritchie Bros. CEO.

“This acquisition significantly accelerates our strategy to drive revenue and earnings growth and add shareholder value by continuing to expand our capabilities in new channels, sectors, regions, and customer segments.”

Ritchie Bros. has recently been reporting a strong increase in the number of bidders at its auctions – an online event in Dubai, UAE, attracted almost 1500 bidders, up 40% on the previous year.

Ritchie Bros. said that the acquisition will expand the company’s overall footprint and access to equipment, while also opening up new revenue streams such as inventory management services, data solutions, financing, warranty, insurance, inspections, refurbishing and shipping. 

In an interview with International Construction, Karl Werner president, international, Ritchie Bros. (Mr Werner has since left the company to take up a new role) talked about how the global auction company had adapted to Covid-19 and increased its number of online auctions.