Three of the UK’s leading auction bidding platforms have announced that they are to merge creating the UKs second largest auction platform. UKAuctioneers.com, BidonThis.co.uk and TheAuctionRoom.com are joining forces to provide UK Auction Houses across all market sectors with a low-cost solution for bringing internet bidders from worldwide into their salerooms.

The 3 businesses represent a buyer database of over 260,000 antique, art, commercial and trade buyers – easily making them the 2nd largest platform in the UK market, and the only online auction company worldwide to take payment for goods as the hammer drops.

Eileen McCarthy (Founder UK Auctioneers) said in a statement

“We are pleased to be announcing this merger to the Auction Industry – we believe that the 3 companies provide a perfect collaboration in creating the most impressive bidding solution on the market.

“Bid on This although a relatively new player, has a unique payment solution securing funds at the drop of the hammer on each lot and immediately passing the sale proceeds to the auction house – this has proven its worth and made it the fastest growing auction platform for live bidding in the UK.

“UK Auctioneers has long been an industry stalwart, supporting UK Auction Houses and successfully providing catalogue advertising for over 26 years.”

Chris Ewbank (one of the founders of The Auction Room) said

“I am delighted that this very significant merger has been completed. The Auction Room was founded for the Art & Antiques market by a group of auction houses including Dreweatts & Bloomsbury, Ewbanks and Gorringes. It was designed to give bidders the services that they require informed by Auction House practice from firms who know what they need for their business success and growth.

“Between the three businesses we represent over 15% of the auction houses in the UK and can provide a serious option as a long term solution to those who want to pay a competitive price for excellent service. This includes a first rate reliable platform for bidders and enhanced marketing potential for the auctioneers from the newly merged Companies.”

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.

Helen Parker (CEO – Bid on This) commented

“The key motivation for this merger is to bring together a big qualified market for both Auction Houses and buyers. The three businesses have a reputation for a stellar service at a competitive market price.

“The European eCommerce retail landscape is very clearly indicating that there is no space for marketplaces, who cannot facilitate immediate transactions to a wide audience, at a competitive price for both buyers and sellers.

“Between the business’ we bring buyers from all types of auction market, both antiques and commercial this whilst working with partners from across retail to introduce new buyers to this exciting industry.

“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 client’s needs.

“We believe that with an ethical and forward thinking ethos – bringing a huge number 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.”