Sotheby's, the London auction house and online auction giant eBay
are to launch their joint auction site within the next two weeks,
according to an eBay spokesman.
The two companies first announced the joint venture at the end of
January. At that time, the companies said the site was an attempt
to put more expensive art offerings on eBay while driving more
customers to Sotheby's Web site.
Kevin Pursglove, spokesman for eBay, said Sotheby's will integrate
eBay's live auctions technology on a site that will be built and
hosted by eBay.
The new site, Sothebys.com, will exist within eBay rather than
operate as a separate entity, he said. However, the site will be
marketed by both companies.
Customers will be able to register at eBay to participate in
Sotheby's online auctions.
