Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Auto Auction House RM Acquires Motorcycle Unit

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By Jonathan Welsh

In a continuing effort to diversify its operations, the classic-car auction company RM Auctions says it agreed to acquire Bator Vintage Motorcycle Auctions. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal, which marks a somewhat rare coming together of vintage-motorcycle and collector-car culture.

Glenn Bator, who has run the company formerly known as Bator International Inc. for more than 20 years, will continue to lead it as a division of RM. Based in Ojai, Calif., Bator International was a longtime specialist in the restoration and sales of classic motorcycles.

RM says it will have its first major motorcycle auction during its second-annual Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction in Auburn, Ind., Sept. 1-4. The company says it is getting into the collector-bike business in part because of increasing interest from its collector-car clients.

“The establishment of a dedicated motorcycle division for our company is in direct response to our clients’ interests and requests,” states Donnie Gould, President, Auctions America by RM. “We’re thrilled to have Glenn Bator on board. His extensive industry knowledge will make Auctions America by RM events the premier venues for both buyers and sellers of classic two wheelers.” ... Read more

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