UK auction platforms join forces

A triumvirate of leading UK auction platforms is set to merge to create what will be the country’s second largest auction platform.

UKAuctioneers.com, BidonThis.co.uk and TheAuctionRoom.com are set to join forces with the aim of delivering a low-cost internet bidding system across all the market’s sectors. The trio said that the platform will bring a global audience into the salerooms of users.

With a combined database of over 260,000 antique, art, commercial and trade buyers, the three businesses will also offer the ability to take payment as soon as the hammer drops.

Founder of UKAuctioneers.com Eileen McCarthy, said, “We are pleased to be announcing this merger to the auction industry – we believe that the three companies provide a perfect collaboration in creating the most impressive bidding solution on the market.”

Chris Ewbank, one of the founders of The Auction Room, which includes auction houses Dreweatts & Bloomsbury, Ewbanks and Gorringes, said, “Between the three businesses we represent over 15% of the auction houses in the UK. We can provide a serious option as a long term solution to those who want to pay a competitive price for excellent service.”

Helen Parker, CEO BidonThis, commented, “This industry has been crying out to be brought in line with the retail world of eCommerce and ensuring that the online world is brought to auction houses with all the facilities of best in class ecommerce – such as online payments and bespoke targeted marketing that understands its clients needs.”

She continued, “We believe that with an ethical and forward thinking ethos – bringing a huge amount of combined buyers, both from the UK and Internationally, focused on Auction House and buyer needs – we can revolutionise this area of the UK auction industry and help it grow.”

The company has said the three platforms are committed to working together and exploring all solutions to improve the sales of the current and future customers of every platform.