World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Daikin confirms €881m purchase of AHT

JAPAN: Daikin has confirmed the acquisition of the Austrian commercial refrigeration company AHT for €881m (JPY114.5bn).

With headquarters in Rottenmann in the heart of the Austrian Alps, AHT Cooling Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of plug-in supermarket refrigerators and freezers.

Daikin will obtain all company shares from UK investment company Bridgepoint. Completion of the acquisition is planned for January 2019.

In a statement, Daikin says that with the acquisition it will be able to “propose total systems that cover the entire cold chain” as it bids to further strengthen its business as a comprehensive air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturer.

“With this acquisition, Daikin is adding AHT showcases to its own wide range of products, services, and solutions based on its air conditioning and refrigeration equipment,” Daikin says. “This will enable the company to become a one-stop provider offering complete coordination of air conditioning and refrigeration products. This acquisition is also expected to solidify Daikin’s business foundation in Europe and promote full-scale expansion of its refrigeration business in the United States as well as Asia.”

The Japanese manufacturer began European sales of refrigeration and freezing systems for supermarkets and convenience stores in 2000. In 2016, Daikin acquired Italian commercial refrigeration manufacturer Zanotti, extending its business to industrial refrigeration equipment for food processing and warehouse storage in addition to refrigeration equipment used in shipping such as marine containers and overland trucks and vans.

AHT employs around 1600 people and achieved revenues of €481m in 2017.

Related stories:

Daikin to acquire AHT Cooling25 November 2018
JAPAN/EUROPE: The Nikkei is reporting that Daikin is set to acquire commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturer AHT Cooling Systems for just over JPY100bn ($885m, €780m). Read more…

Latest News

13th October 2025

Heat pump push should also target all-electric

UK: The Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) has called for UK heat pump subsidies to be better targeted to boost overall sale numbers.
13th October 2025

Steve Dinning appointed FSW UK MD

UK: Steve Dinning has been appointed managing director of wholesaler FSW’s UK operations, following his successful tenure as sales director.
12th October 2025

Price of Chinese R32 set to rise

CHINA: The long-term contract price for R32 from China is set to rise nearly 20%, according to Chinese commodity experts.
12th October 2025

450kg of HFC recovered from rooftop VRFs in just five hours

UK: A-Gas has successfully recovered 450kg of HFCs from 22 Daikin VRV rooftop units in just five hours.
12th October 2025

AC linked to Paris explosion

FRANCE: An explosion and fire at a facility of telecom company Orange in Paris has been linked to work being carried out on an air conditioning unit.
11th October 2025

Kooltech makes key new appointments

UK: Air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump distributor Kooltech has created three new roles within its business to help drive growth and strengthen its service to customers.