G & L Beijer, the Swedish refrigeration and air conditioning business, saw sales rise by 13% in the first quarter of this year.
The figure which excludes acquisitions and currency effects meant sales reached £126 m for the quarter.

G & L Beijer's operations consist of the largest refrigeration wholesale group in Europe Beijer Ref ­which includes UK wholesaler Dean & Wood ­air conditioning distribution and manufacturing.

The UK and Nordic countries grew by a creditable 10% but France, which is G & L Beijer's largest individual market, developed especially strongly, leading to 15% growth in Southern Europe. Eastern Europe, meanwhile, reported organic growth of nearly 80%, albeit from low levels.

The most recent acquisitions, Carrier's refrigeration wholesale operation in Thailand and the Italian chiller manufacturer SCM Frigo, enjoyed growth of 30% and 25% respectively during the quarter.