WR Refrigeration Ltd, the Leicester-based commercial refrigeration and air conditioning contractor - is set to acquire the UK service and contracting operations of Hussmann Europe Ltd.
WR is reported to be in talks to purchase the Hussmann business which is based in Glasgow and has four branch offices around the country.


As a result of the proposed sale, 180 Hussmann employees will transfer to WR, which already employs around 500 people across its 28 UK branches. This total also includes more than 70 staff based at its Leicester headquarters in Frog Island and Thurmaston

Hussmann Europe Ltd is part of Ingersoll Rand Climate Control Technologies ESA, a major US parent company with operations worldwide.

WR, which celebrated its centenary in 2003, was acquired by the Finnish Huurre Group in March 2004 and has grown steadily to become a leading player in the UK market place with turnover of more than £60m.

Huurre employs more than 1300 people in nine countries and has consolidated sales in excess of £160m.

This acquisition will be WR's second since becoming part of Huurre, with WR buying the business and assets of Trembath Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Ltd in 2005.

Garry Dick, managing director of WR Refrigeration, said the acquisition of Hussmann would further strengthen the company's position as market leader by expanding its customer base.

He added: 'This acquisition fits with Huurre's strategy of growth in Northern and Eastern Europe. The newly acquired business will be integrated into our existing service and sales divisions and will further enhance our refrigeration and air conditioning service and contracting capabilities within the UK.'