Ritchie Bros. announced it has completed its acquisition of SmartEquip, an innovative technology platform that supports customers’ management of the equipment lifecycle and integrates parts procurement with both OEMs and dealers.
“This acquisition expands our solution set and furthers our goal of providing the best customer experience as we transition from a traditional auctioneer to a global marketplace for insights, services, and transaction solutions,” said Ann Fandozzi, Chief Executive Officer, Ritchie Bros. “SmartEquip will enable us to offer asset-specific, full-lifecycle parts and service support to customers on behalf of our dealer and OEM partners.”
SmartEquip is a multi-manufacturer platform that provides customers with real-time service and diagnostic support, dynamically customized, via serial number, to each asset in their fleet, as well as enabling the electronic procurement of parts from OEMs and their dealers. The company supports approximately $1 billion in annual transaction volume with more than 600 OEM brands, on behalf of fleet locations across North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific. SmartEquip has 60 employees and will continue to operate as a standalone business and maintain its physical presence in Norwalk, CT, for the foreseeable future.
“Ritchie Bros. is a perfect partner for us, and our team is very excited to take the next growth step together,” said Bryan Rich, SmartEquip’s Executive Chairman. “Through Ritchie Bros.’ global customer base, this merger will accelerate SmartEquip's ability to support its rapidly growing footprint across our joint global marketplaces and customer base. We can't wait to get started!”
Under the terms of the transaction, Ritchie Bros. has acquired 100 percent of the equity of SmartEquip for approximately $175 million subject to adjustment.
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Ritchie Bros. and Dorsey & Whitney LLP and Dechert LLP are serving as legal advisors. Houlihan Lokey, Inc. is serving as financial advisor to SmartEquip and Robinson+Cole, LLP is serving as legal advisor.