Canadian industrial auctioneer Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc. says it will buy IronPlanet, a privately held U.S. e-commerce site for used equipment, for about US$758.5 million, as it looks to diversify its portfolio.

Burnaby, B.C.-based Ritchie, which focuses on the sale of heavy machinery, will fund the transaction with a combination of cash and new debt.

IronPlanet, backed by Caterpillar Inc., allows users to place bids online or on-site, or buy at a fixed price. It offers a multi-channel platform for the sale of assets.

The deal is expected to close by the first half of 2017.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is serving as financial adviser to Ritchie, while Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP and Dechert LLP are serving as its legal advisers. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial adviser to IronPlanet and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is serving as its legal adviser.