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Rimbey Auction Mart sold

After some 50 years in the auction business, Allen Olsen is stepping off the sales podium — sort of.
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After some 50 years in the auction business

RIMBEY — After some 50 years in the auction business, Allen Olsen is stepping off the sales podium — sort of.

The owner of Rimbey Auction Mart confirmed on Thursday that he’s selling the business to Sekura Auctions of Drayton Valley. The deal is scheduled to close March 1.

“Sekuras approached me about buying it, and I just felt when there’s a ready and willing buyer I should maybe take the opportunity to sell it,” said Olsen, who is 67.

Located within the town, Rimbey Auction Mart dates back to the early 1960s.

Olsen and his father Elmer and brother Glen bought the business in 1968, with Olsen the only one of the three with an auctioneering licence.

They sold the auction mart in 1979, although Olsen remained on the scene.

“After it was sold, I sold there for many years.”

In 1996, Olsen reacquired the business with three partners, whom he eventually bought out.

The industry has undergone a great deal of change over the years, he remarked.

“We’ve seen some very good times and we’ve seen some tough times.”

Still, it’ll be tough to walk away from Rimbey Auction Mart.

“I know I will miss it, but then I’ve got lots of other things on the go,” said Olsen.

Those other things include Allen B. Olsen Auction Services Ltd., which specializes in farm machinery and real estate sales. Olsen also farms.

Sekura Auctions is a family-operated business that was founded in Drayton Valley in 1966. It now has offices in Drayton Valley and Westlock.

An official with Sekura was not available for comment on Thursday.

hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com