17.07.2025

Ritchie acquires J.M. Wood

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers has acquired Alabama based equipment auction houseJ.M. Wood Auction.

J.M. Wood was founded in 1973 by Malcolm and Brenda Wood and has grown to become one of the leading equipment auction houses in the USA with a strong base in Alabama and the surrounding states. The family owned company is based in Montgomery, Alabama, where it also holds most of its auctions.

The current leadership team will stay on board and Ritchie has said that it intends to maintain J.M. Woods Alabama location, in person auction format, staff and culture.
J.M. Wood president Bryant Wood said: “This move strengthens everything our family has built over the past 52 years. We are keeping the people, the service and the experience our customers expect, while adding more ways to deliver value.”

Vice president Russ Wood added: “We are excited to expand how we serve customers through this key part of our growth strategy. This allows us to bring even more to the table for our sellers and buyers, while staying true to who we are and how we work.”

Ritchie group chief executive Jim Kessler said: “Both Ritchie Bros. and J.M. Wood have spent decades building trust through integrity, relationships and a deep understanding of customers’ businesses. We are thrilled to welcome their team and collaborate to preserve their deep industry expertise, regional and sectoral strength, and customer focused legacy while also tapping into Ritchie Bros.’ global network, digital capabilities and suite of value added services.

“This is a strategic move that enhances what both organisations do best. With J.M. Wood’s regional expertise, sectoral strength and customer relationships, and Ritchie Bros.’ scale and technology, we’re bringing together the best of both worlds to create even more opportunities and deliver even more value for our customers.”

“This is a bold step forward, not a change in direction. With J.M. Wood’s regional expertise, sectoral strength and customer relationships, and Ritchie Bros.’ scale and technology, we’re bringing together the best of both worlds to create even more opportunities and deliver even more value for our customers.”