RB Global announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BigIron Auction Company, a move aimed at accelerating the company’s strategic expansion into the U.S. agriculture sector. The deal will strengthen RB Global’s marketplace ecosystem by adding an agriculture-focused online platform that connects buyers and sellers of farm equipment, land, livestock, and other rural assets.
BigIron operates a large digital marketplace embedded in rural communities across the United States, serving farmers, landowners, and agricultural businesses. The company processed approximately $885 million in gross transaction value for the last twelve months ending September 30, 2025. This included about $520 million from commercial assets and vehicles and roughly $365 million from agricultural land and real estate transactions. The platform also maintains an active and engaged bidder base across rural markets.
RB Global said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to broaden its asset categories and expand its digital and onsite marketplace capabilities. BigIron’s expertise in agricultural auctions and its established presence in rural America are expected to complement RB Global’s broader global auction infrastructure, including its industrial and commercial asset platforms.
Following the closing of the transaction, BigIron will continue operating as a stand-alone brand within RB Global’s portfolio. The company’s leadership and team will remain involved in the business, and the brand will continue serving agricultural sellers and buyers through its existing platform and sales network.
RB Global expects the combination to enhance its ability to serve customers through a mix of onsite auctions, offsite services, and digital marketplaces. By integrating BigIron’s agriculture-focused capabilities with RB Global’s broader marketplace network, the company aims to expand liquidity, attract more buyers and sellers, and create new opportunities across the agriculture asset ecosystem.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Until the transaction is completed, both companies will continue operating independently in the ordinary course.
KEY QUOTES:
“BigIron brings a talented team with deep ag sector knowledge and an established sales footprint that will continue operating as a stand-alone brand while being complemented by the Ritchie Bros. industrial footprint. This will create opportunities to serve even more customers through a combination of onsite, offsite, and digital channels and solutions.”
Jim Kessler, Chief Executive Officer of RB Global
“We are proud of our team’s tremendous work to establish BigIron as a leading auction marketplace for farmers, landowners, and rural businesses. RB Global values our culture and shares our respect for the agricultural community. Through this combination, we gain a larger platform and additional resources, which is expected to help us deliver even greater choice and liquidity to all the sellers we serve.”
Mark Stock, Co-Founder of BigIron
“Since our founding in 1984, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing an honest, trustworthy auction. We look forward to continuing our mission to serve our sellers, buyers, and employees for years to come, and to continue operating BigIron as a stand-alone brand with Mark and I involved in the business as usual.”
Ron Stock, Co-Founder of BigIron
