eBay has purchased a German site, Afterbuy, that automates much of the sales process for auction sellers.
While no purchase price was disclosed, eBay gobbled up the German-based auction management site to aid in their communication with users of their site servicing German customers, eBay.de. The management site does also allow users to sell on other online marketplaces, but no mention was made if that function would be left intact.
The purchase is a little surprising considering the criticism the online auction company has taken in just the past week over their purchase of Skype. With that company's CEO stepping down, and his payout being considerably less than expected due to the company missing goals, you wouldn't think eBay would be over anxious to add more companies to their portfolio at this time. At least Afterbuy is related to eBay's main business: auctions.