Kälte Eckert GmbH buys SOS Klimatechnik

Kälte Eckert GmbH is pushing its platform strategy to become the leading refrigeration system provider in southern Germany and is buying SOS Klimatechnik from Königsdorf near Munich. The sole shareholder Alexander Stiegler Iurato, who will remain with the company as managing director, is the seller of the shares. The integration of qualified employees, the transfer of know-how and the enlargement of the catchment area in the metropolitan region of Munich are the goals of the partnership. For the portfolio company of VR Equitypartner it is the third add-on within one year: In November 2019 the foundation was laid through the merger with Günther Kältetechnik and Gartner Keil GmbH was taken over in April 2020.

Founded in 1998, SOS Kältetechnik GmbH from near Munich has specialized in the installation of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technology and works for commercial, industrial and private customers. The company has a team of highly qualified employees who specialize in optimally adapting the performance of the installed cooling units to the conditions of the rooms to be cooled. SOS Kältetechnik GmbH takes care of the maintenance and service work itself.

"The transaction underlines the strength of our long-term investment approach, which we are consistently pursuing in partnership with our portfolio companies even in the current market environment characterized by the Covid-19 pandemic," says Christian Futterlieb, Managing Director at VR Equitypartner. “As part of the transaction, Kälte Eckert will have access to more highly qualified personnel and, for its part, will 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. An important step for Kälte Eckert's platform strategy on the way to becoming the leading provider in southern Germany. "

The Frankfurt-based private equity firm VR Equitypartner has held the majority in Kälte Eckert since August 2017 and supports the traditional company founded more than 50 years ago in its further growth. Special systems for commercial refrigeration with a focus on large kitchens, industry and air conditioning are primarily implemented there.

Holger Eckert, Managing Director of Kälte Eckert: “SOS Kältetechnik has a good name in the industry. With the acquisition, we now also cover Upper Bavaria as an important component within southern Germany. In this way, we are increasingly improving the synergies between the partners and expanding our range of services. "