EBay and Sotheby's launch joint website, live auctions start April 1 with New York-theme sale

EBay and Sotheby's launched their auction site Tuesday, and the companies say live auctions start April 1.

The first auctions will be a New York-themed sale that includes the 10-foot tall Yankee Stadium sign that stood on top of old Yankee Stadium and other items, and a photograph sale that includes works by Man Ray and Lee Friedlander.

Sotheby's and eBay Inc. said they would team up in July, allowing eBay users to place real-time bids on auctions taking place at Sotheby's headquarters in New York. They plan to offer other types of sales and live auctions from other Sotheby's showrooms later on. The two sides have not disclosed financial terms of their partnership.

Shares of eBay fell 45 cents to $59.12 in morning trading, and Sotheby's stock rose 33 cents to $41.31.

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Online: www.ebay.com/sothebys