FINANCIALLY-troubled Danish commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturer the Caravell Group has been acquired by Brazilian rival Metalfrio Solutions Ltda.
The deal, which includes the Caravell and Derby brands, is expected to produce a group with a combined turnover of £200m in 2006 and a total annual production of over 370,000. The deal is expected to ensure the future of Caravell, the Danish manufacturer having been forced to suspend payments last month after realising major losses in 2005.

Said to be the leading player in the commercial refrigeration business in Latin America and with a strong position in North America, Metalfrio claims to be one of the three largest global players in beverage and ice cream refrigeration equipment.
'The relationships between customers and suppliers in our industry today have become much more complex,' said Luiz Eduardo Moreira Caio, president and CEO of Metalfrio. 'Major beverage and ice-cream companies want to deal with fewer suppliers, suppliers who deeply understand their business and are able to develop, manufacture and service quality products in different parts of the globe.'