Italy-based Epta has announced its acquisition of Hauser, an Austrian manufacturer of self-contained and remote refrigeration cabinets and industrial refrigeration systems.
The acquisition “aims to enhance [the] Epta Group’s presence and competitiveness in the retail sector,” according to the Italian commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturer. Epta added that the addition of Hauser would make it “one of the most comprehensive and leading players in the sector” with approximately €2 billion ($2.3 billion) in consolidated revenue and around 10,000 employees.
“This transaction is part of a well-defined strategy that combines both internal and external growth, through vertical and horizontal integration across geographies,” Epta told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
Epta had a headcount of around 8,000 people spread across five continents as of 2024, excluding employees of Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, with which Epta formed a joint venture in 2023. Marco Nocivelli, Epta’s CEO, noted the importance of partnerships to the company in a press release announcing the acquisition.
“After our recent partnership with the Viessmann family in 2023, the agreement with Hauser further strengthens our position as a global player in the sector,” Nocivelli said. “In a scenario shaped by ecological and digital transitions, creating meaningful partnerships and networks is essential to generate a sustainable future.”
Epta and Hauser will form a combined entity, with the Italian commercial equipment manufacturer holding an 86% stake in the venture. The deal still needs to be greenlit by European antitrust authorities, with approval expected by the end of 2025.
Complementary offerings: Epta and Hauser both manufacture commercial refrigeration equipment, including plug-in propane (R290) cases, remote CO2 (R744) cases and CO2 racks.
- Hauser also manufactures industrial refrigeration systems using CO2, ammonia (R717) and synthetic refrigerants.
- “Hauser’s renowned market position will complement Epta’s unique expertise in commercial refrigeration as the Group will now offer its clients one of the broadest ranges of commercial refrigeration solutions and services, driven by sustainable and digital innovation,” Epta said.
A stronger position in DACH: Epta noted that Hauser has a “strong presence” in the DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) region and Central Europe.
- Hauser operates one factory in Austria and one in the Czech Republic, while Epta has 11 factories spread across Europe, America and Asia.
- “Supported by a more extensive and complementary geographical footprint, Epta and Hauser join forces in design, production, installation and maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems,” Epta said.
Future moves: Epta told NaturalRefrigerants.com that the company is “actively evaluating further expansion opportunities.”
- The company said it is evaluating new acquisitions/partnerships in Asia and North America.
- “Epta already generates approximately €300 million [$347 million] in revenue in this market [North America] and operates a local manufacturing facility,” the company said.
Quotable: “With Epta as a strong partner, we are continuing our tradition as a family business while strengthening our international presence,” Thomas Loibl, CEO of Hauser, said in a statement. “This step ensures the company’s sustainable development, provides stability in an economically volatile environment, and opens up new opportunities for Hauser.”
This article was updated on August 4, 2025 with new information from Epta.
