Along with naming a top executive for EDGE Marketplace, Auction Edge announced on Wednesday that it entered into an agreement to purchase Auto Auction Solutions of Pensacola, Fla., in a deal that is expected to close Oct. 30.

Company officials highlighted Auto Auction Solutions will operate as a division of Auction Edge called EDGE AAS with now former Auto Auction Solutions president Kathy Williamson assuming the position of division vice president reporting to Auction Edge president Scott Finkle.

Finkle highlighted the acquisition further strengthens the already significant network of independent auctions using Auction Edge’s suite of integrated products that range from line-of-business applications to online platforms.

“The addition of Auto Auction Solutions to Auction Edge’s portfolio significantly expands our footprint of independent wholesale and public auctions, and provides tremendous opportunity for Auction Edge to grow its online platforms including EDGE Pipeline, EDGE Simulcast and EDGE Lookout,” Finkle said.

Finkle insisted that the expectation is the Auto Auction Solutions system, team and customers to be "first-class citizens" in the Auction Edge ecosystem as the company plans to invest significant resources to add new auctions, scale the platform and support all necessary integrations with industry partners.

Williamson explained that becoming part of a larger organization will allow Auto Auction Solutions to realize its full potential as the system is enhanced to support larger auctions and additional partner integrations.

“We are pleased to become part of a larger technology group with a vision for where they want to grow both their product offerings and business,” Williamson said.

“We know our existing customers will benefit from the investment Auction Edge will make in the Auto Auction Solutions system,” she continued. “We have worked with the team at Auction Edge for years, and are confident in their vision and leadership.”

The company pointed out Williamson will continue leading software development as well as handling day-to-day operations of the group. Meanwhile, Eric Williamson will assume the position of director, client services and will be in charge of installations, training and support.

Auction Edge went on to mention that having a modern, PC-based auction management system will make it easier for more auctions to become part of the Edge network at a price point that makes sense for them.

“It’s important for independent auctions to have options when it comes to auction management systems,” said auction owner Dave Angelicchio of Winchester Auto Auction, a current customer of Auto Auction Solutions and a subscriber of EDGE Pipeline, EDGE Simulcast and EDGE Lookout services..

“One size does not fit all, and the fact that Auto Auction Solutions will be enhanced to work better with EDGE Pipeline, EDGE Simulcast and EDGE Lookout. It’s just a win-win for everyone,” added Angelicchio, who previously was president of the National Auto Auction Association.

For more details about Auction Edge and its products and services, call (206) 858-4800 or go to www.AuctionEdge.com.

Auction Edge taps VP for Edge Marketplace

Auction Edge also revealed on Wednesday that the company added Colette Marcilliat as vice president, EDGE Marketplace. The company indicated Marcilliat will focus her extensive online experience in the remarketing industry on developing the strategy to launch EDGE Marketplace, an online platform built with Openlane to provide an online auction channel to EDGE Pipeline customers.

Marcilliat brings more than two decades of executive marketing and sales leadership with companies such as ADESA, Openlane, Manheim OVE, Onlane and AutoTradeCenter. The vast majority of her experience is the crafting of vehicle remarketing channels and growth of online sales.

“From launching the industry’s first private label website to holding key leadership roles across both auction and internet remarketing providers, Marcilliat has a rich history of championing the successful transition from brick and mortar auctions to web enabled marketplaces,” Finkle said.

“We know that the addition of Colette to the Auction Edge team will advance the sales opportunities and capabilities of the independent auctions and all of the customers they serve,” Finkle continued.

Marcilliat added, “I am so excited to join the expert team at Auction Edge whose sole pursuit has been the provisioning of a full range of products and services that give the independent auctions every competitive advantage of operational ease and robust sales channels in the vehicle wholesale arena.

“I look forward to serving our member auctions and working with our many industry partners to continue that pursuit,” she went on to say.

EDGE Marketplace is expected to launch in 2016.