Ritchie Bros. conducted its first Edmonton, AB auction of the year. Despite the extreme cold, more than 5,000+ equipment items and trucks sold over three days for C$69+ million ($52+ million) — up 15% year over year.

More than 10,150 bidders from 54 countries registered to participate in the February 26 – 28, 2019 Edmonton auction—up approximately 19% from the same auction last year. Approximately 89% of the equipment in the auction was sold to Canadian buyers, with buyers from Alberta purchasing 52%, while international buyers from countries such as Australia, Singapore, and the Netherlands purchased 11% of the equipment. Approximately 69% of the equipment in the auction was sold to online buyers.

“Despite extreme cold temperatures, we were still able to attract a huge number of bidders—many participating online—and achieve great returns for our sellers,” said Trent Vandenberghe, regional sales manager, Ritchie Bros. “Solid pricing on transportation and construction assets led to year over year growth for this week’s auction. With many Alberta contractors looking to right size their fleets with the changing outlook across sectors, our various disposition solutions and ability to attract global participation continue to drive great value for customers.”

More than 600 owners sold equipment in the Edmonton auction, including 50+ items as part of a complete dispersal for Fire Power Oilfield Firefighting, a Grande Prairie, AB-based company working in industrial safety, firefighting and medic services for 30-plus years.

“Ritchie Bros. is so professional and accommodating—this was my first complete dispersal and they were there every step of the way providing guidance and taking the stress off me,” said Louise Rupertus, owner and president of Fire Power Oilfield Firefighting. “The results in Edmonton this week were spectacular, thanks to the extensive marketing Ritchie Bros. did for our fleet.”

Ritchie Bros. currently has more than 55,000 equipment items, trucks, and other assets listed for sale through its auctions and marketplaces.