Kälte Eckert expands with purchase of SOS

GERMANY: Refrigeration and air conditioning systems manufacturer Kälte Eckert GmbH continues its expansion with the acquisition of Königsdorf-based contractor SOS Klimatechnik.

Founded in 1998, SOS Kältetechnik has specialised in the installation, service and maintenance of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technology across the commercial, industrial and domestic markets. 

This latest acquisition is the third major investment in the last year. Last November, Kälte Eckert purchased a majority stake in Plüderhausen-based refrigeration system manufacturer Günther Kältetechnik, and in April of this year took over service company Gartner, Keil & Co.

VR Equitypartner, the Frankfurt-based private equity firm which has held the majority stake in Kälte Eckert since August 2017, was behind the acquisitions. Announcing the latest deal, Christian Futterlieb, MD of VR Equitypartner, said: “As part of the transaction, Kälte Eckert will have access to more highly qualified personnel and will in turn be able to transfer its know-how for natural refrigerants to SOS Kältetechnik. This means that the company can be expanded into a major service branch Eckert on the way to becoming the leading provider in southern Germany.”