Mr. Dolan Aucoin reports

US$47+ MILLION OF EQUIPMENT SOLD AT RITCHIE BROS. AUCTION IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc. sold more than $47-million (U.S.) of equipment and trucks at its unreserved public auction in Fort Worth, Tex., on March 4 to 5, 2015. The two-day auction set a new Fort Worth site record for number of registered bidders; more than 4,700 people from 56 countries registered to bid in person and on-line at the company's website. More than 3,350 items were sold on auction day, including 280-plus truck tractors, 70-plus compactors, 65-plus excavators, 40-plus wheel loaders, 35-plus crawler tractors, 55-plus agricultural tractors and more.

"We experienced some inclement weather here in Fort Worth this week, but it certainly didn't keep the bidders away, as we saw record crowds on site and on-line, even with two inches of ice on the ground," said Dolan Aucoin, regional sales manager, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. "Pricing was strong on both days of the auction. In particular, on day one we had a great selection of late-model agricultural equipment that sold very well. It was one of the largest ag packages we've seen here in Fort Worth."

Equipment in the auction was sold for 425-plus sellers, including Galmor's Inc., an oil field service company based in Elk City, Okla., that has been in business since 1964.

"Ritchie Bros. always gets me a good price," said Justin Galmor, vice-president, Galmor's. "The on-line bidding at Ritchie Bros. auctions adds real value to equipment sellers, as it ensures a large worldwide audience is bidding on your equipment. You can go on the Internet and bid anywhere you want."

Buyers from outside Texas purchased approximately $25-million (U.S.) of equipment and trucks (or 51 per cent of total gross auction proceeds). Equipment sold to buyers from as far away as Australia, Italy and Singapore.

Auction quick facts: Fort Worth, Tex. -- March 4 to 5, 2015

Total gross auction proceeds:  Over $47-million (U.S.)

Amount sold to on-line bidders:  Over $24-million (U.S.)

Total registered bidders (in person and on-line):  Over 4,700

Registered on-line bidders:  Over 3,050

Total lots sold:  Over 3,350

Number of sellers:  Over 425

There are 130-plus unreserved public auctions on the calendar at the company's website, including the company's next auction in Fort Worth on May 6 to 7, 2015. Please contact the Fort Worth site at 1-817-237-6544 to ask about selling. Anyone can also buy and sell equipment and trucks at any time on the EquipmentOne website, the company's secure on-line marketplace. Current highlights include a truck sale featuring 230-plus trucks and trailers (offers close March 11, 2015).