GA Global Partners vice-president Paul Brown hit back at industry criticism that holding the Melbourne leg of the three-stage auction on 23 May, in the middle of PacPrint, was "a slap in the face to the industry".

"Is the organiser aware of the fact that the majority of our overseas buyers who are flying in for our sale now plan to attend the show after hearing about it from us?" said Brown.

"These two events simply don't compete with one another in the way that these quotes suggest. There were major auctions held during Drupa and Graph Expo in Chicago and those concurrences proved mutually beneficial."

Brown also told ProPrint that many printers were reliant on second-hand equipment to "move forward with their businesses".

"Many would not be able to survive if they had to only buy new, and in this way auctions allow certain businesses to thrive. Let me state one unequivocal fact: I have seen more new and existing businesses benefit because of the availability of superb used equipment than I have seen burdened by it.

"I talked to one man from Nice, France last night who can't afford a new Polar cutter so he is planning on buying one at our sale. He also is planning to drop by the Agfa booth at the show to see their Jeti 3020 Titan because they want a new UV printer."

Brown said the offset equipment being auctioned would differ from the predominantly digital kit at PacPrint. He also noted that the Sydney and Brisbane legs of the auction would be held after PacPrint, allowing visitors to the Melbourne auction to remain in town for the show. "The Geon auction is one day in Melbourne to their five days of showtime," he added.

[Related: Ups and downs of Geon]

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter