Aug 29 (Reuters) - Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc RBA.TO
* Ritchie Bros. and Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT) announce strategic alliance
* Strategic alliance between Ritchie Bros and Caterpillar will have an initial five-year term
* Ritchie Bros to become preferred provider to caterpillar and participating dealers for caterpillar equipment upon closing of acquisition of ironplanet
* New strategic alliance will become effective when Ritchie Bros completes its acquisition of Ironplanet
* New strategic alliance replaces and expands on existing agreements in place between Caterpillar, its dealers and Ironplanet Source text for Eikon: ID:nCNWdNKb8a Further company coverage: RBA.TO