Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers confirms accident at Orlando auction site

ORLANDO, FL, Jan. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Earlier today, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE andTSX: RBA), the world's largest on-site and online auctioneer of heavy equipment and trucks, had an accident occur at its Orlando auction site. The Company can confirm that employees were setting up light towers and there was an accident involving a forklift. Unfortunately a fatality did occur to a part-time employee during this accident. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities and the Company is working to help with all investigations into this matter.

Ritchie Bros. has contacted the family of the deceased and conveys its deepest condolences to the family and the employees at its site. The Company is providing support to the bereaved and those affected employees at its Orlando office and yard. The Company has also commenced its own investigation in order to establish the circumstances of the accident.

About Ritchie Bros.
Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE andTSX: RBA) is the world's largest industrial auctioneer, selling more equipment to on-site and online bidders than any other company in the world. The Company maintains a website at www.rbauction.com.

Kim Schulz, Manager, Corporate Communications, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Phone: [phone] or email [email protected]
Or
Gary Seybold, Vice President, US South East, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Phone: [phone]