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Cool-headed merger of Epta and Hauser

Two manufacturers of refrigeration equipment are joining forces to create a European market leader. Transaction also includes a Czech production plant.

The Italian group Epta and Austria’s Hauser have signed a binding agreement under which Hauser will join the Epta Group. The merger of these two family-owned businesses will result in a leading player in the commercial refrigeration sector, with annual revenues of €2 billion and 10,000 employees.

Once the transaction is completed, Hauser will be consolidated into Epta’s financial statements. The Hauser family foundation will hold a 14% stake in the group, while the current owners of Epta, the Novicelli family, will retain the remaining 86%. Hauser will also gain representation on Epta’s board of directors. The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.

In addition to its main plant in Linz, Hauser operates a modernized facility in Kaplice, Czech Republic, with a production area of 40,000 m². In 2024, the Czech subsidiary reported revenues of CZK 2.74 billion and a profit of CZK 170 million. Around 500 employees in Kaplice focus on the production and servicing of refrigerated cabinets, while product development and contract acquisition are handled by Hauser’s headquarters. The entire Hauser Group reported revenues of CZK 10.25 billion in 2024. Its major clients include ALDI and Schwarz Group, which operates the Lidl and Kaufland retail chains.

Epta is one of the largest companies in the commercial refrigeration sector. In addition to retail, it also serves the Ho.Re.Ca. segment (hotels, restaurants, catering). The Italian group operates on five continents and employs around 10,000 people. In 2024, it generated revenues of €1.7 billion. This type of transaction strengthens Epta’s position as a global player without requiring a cash investment. The group is also considering a stock market listing and plans to use both saved and potentially raised funds for further expansion.

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