Epta has acquired Cold Service Group, the specialist in the design, installation and maintenance of turnkey refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in the UK, effective from 1 July.

This is a significant strategic transaction for the Group which positions EPTA as a national service provider. Joint skills and resources will also provide a high quality response operating with optimum performance and reliability.

Cold Service’s head office is in Ringwood, Hampshire, and the company has been providing retailers and other commercial refrigeration customers, with excellently designed, highly efficient systems for over 65 years, supported by more than 100 refrigeration technicians located throughout the south of England.

A well-established business with strong local roots, Cold Service has four divisions (Commercial, Local, Central and Distribution) and counts Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Greggs, Morrisons, One-Stop and Pret a Manger on its client list.

Epta is already established in the UK with George Barker, a leading supplier in the design and production of refrigerated cabinets, together with an established contracting and service and maintenance business and natural refrigerant solutions and training. Through the agreement the companies aim to encourage important synergies between the two British brands, with growth opportunities for the entire Group.

Epta chairman and managing director Sergio Chiostri's said: “One year after the merging of Iarp with the Group, we are delighted to announce the acquisition of Cold Service. This agreement expands our portfolio and aims to optimise the resources used, in the frame of an expansion plan that will integrate the skills and technological knowhow of our two companies”.

Chairman of Cold Service, Peter Grimes, said: “Both parties strongly sought this merger, built on a common value system centred on people, high-quality service and long-term development plans. The strength of a company like Epta represents an important competitive advantage for us, complementing our range and expanding our market share.”