Oceanair acquired by builders’ merchant MKM

UK: Air conditioning and heat pump distributor Oceanair UK has been acquired by MKM, the independent builders’ merchant.

Established in 2002, Oceanair is well-known as a specialist UK distributor for Daikin, Fujitsu and Panasonic, operating from locations in Mansfield and Crawley.

MKM already offers a wide range of heat pump equipment from the likes of Daikin, Vaillant and Bosch. Established in 1995, it has over 90 branches across across England, Scotland, and Wales and an annual turnover of around £1bn.

A statement says that Oceanair will continue its operations under its existing name, with owner Tony Evanson remaining involved in the business “for the foreseeable future” and provide support during the transition. 

Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, commented: “This is an interesting acquisition for MKM and enables us to expand into further emerging marketplaces.”

Tony Evanson said: “I’m incredibly proud to see the business grow over the years and have developed some fantastic relationships with staff, customers and suppliers.  

“I have thought long and hard about selling the business and was adamant it needed to go to the right home. I’m very pleased to be around the business to support the MKM team and look forward to seeing Oceanair grow under its new ownership.”

Rob Barnes, MKM’s business development director leading the acquisition, expressed confidence in the growth potential of Oceanair: “This acquisition fits perfectly with MKM’s plans for expansion, allowing us to branch out further into the HVAC industry. Continuing to work closely with the current Oceanair team guarantees a seamless transition, customers and suppliers can expect business as usual.”

He added that Oceanair’s heat pump training facility and its Oceanashp.co.uk business, which concentrates on designing, supplying, commissioning, and supporting air-to-water heat pumps, was a perfect fit with MKM’s commitment of offering more sustainable options to customers.