Strengthens presence and competitiveness in the retail sector
Milan (Italy) and Linz (Austria), 17th July 2025 – Epta S.p.A. (“Epta”), a global leader in commercial refrigeration, and the shareholders of Hauser GmbH (“Hauser”), an established Austrian company with a strong presence across the DACH region and Central-Eastern European markets, have signed a binding agreement under which Hauser will join Epta Group.
This strategic business combination aims to enhance Epta Group’s presence and competitiveness in the Retail sector and marks a significant step forward in the long-term vision shared by both companies – two family-owned businesses united by common values and a commitment to sustainable growth.
Hauser joining Epta Group will result in one of the most comprehensive and leading players in the sector, with approximately €2 billion in consolidated revenues and around 10,000 employees, combining innovation, sustainability and exceptional service capabilities. Together, Epta and Hauser will significantly reinforce their geographic presence, with particular focus on Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, further Southeastern European countries, UK and France. This regional presence will benefit also from Hauser's two plants in Austria and Czech Republic.
Hauser’s renowned market position will complement Epta’s unique expertise in commercial refrigeration as the Group will now offer its clients one of the broadest ranges of commercial refrigeration solutions and services, driven by sustainable and digital innovation. Supported by a more extensive and complementary geographical footprint, Epta and Hauser join forces in design, production, installation, and maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems. With a widespread and highly skilled professional network throughout Europe we plan on providing a higher quality of service for customers.
For Epta this is another milestone in its journey to consolidate its status as a global player in the sector, thanks to an increase in its offer and a strengthened international footprint. For Hauser this operation creates the ideal conditions for long-term profitable growth in a highly evolving market.
Marco Nocivelli, CEO of Epta: “The union of the Epta and Hauser families marks the beginning of a new chapter in European industrial excellence, built on shared values, vision, and a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our combined expertise in the commercial refrigeration business is unique. After our recent partnership with the Viessmann family in 2023, the agreement with Hauser further strengthens our position as a global player in the sector. In a scenario shaped by ecological and digital transitions, creating meaningful partnerships and networks is essential to generate a sustainable future: this agreement perfectly represents our strategy and our desire to continue investing in the future of the Group according to our Purpose - Preserving our planet with conscious innovation. Together.”
“With Epta as a strong partner, we are continuing our tradition as a family business while strengthening our international presence. This step ensures the company's sustainable development, provides stability in an economically volatile environment, and opens up new opportunities for HAUSER”, says Thomas Loibl, CEO of HAUSER.
Following completion of the transaction, which will be carried out through a contribution in Epta of the Hauser’s shares, the current shareholders of Epta will hold approximately 86% of the combined entity, while the foundation founded by Mr. Hauser will hold approximately 14%.
Upon closing, Hauser will be fully consolidated into Epta’s financial statements. As part of the agreement, Hauser will be represented within Epta’s Board of Directors, ensuring continuity and alignment of strategic vision.
The closing of the deal is subject to customary conditions precedent, including approval by the European antitrust authorities, expected by the end of 2025.
Epta was assisted in the transaction by Bain & Company for business and operational due diligence, by PwC for financial and tax matters and by Clifford Chance as legal advisors. Hauser was advised by PwC for financial/tax and legal matters.
Epta. Preserving our planet with conscious innovation. Together.
EPTA – A multinational group specialising in commercial refrigeration, it operates worldwide through its brands Costan (1946), Bonnet Névé (1930), Eurocryor (1991), Iarp (1983), and Kysor Warren (1882). Epta positions itself on the domestic and international markets as a partner capable of producing and marketing complete refrigeration systems, thanks to the integration of specific product lines such as: traditional positive vertical and semi-vertical, vertical and negative horizontal refrigeration counters, incorporated unit counters (Plug-in) for the Retail, Food & Beverage and Ho.re.ca sectors, medium and large power units and a complete portfolio of pre- and after-sales services. Headquartered in Milan, it has more 8,000 employees, several production sites in Italy and abroad, and a capillary technical and commercial presence all over the world, guaranteed by more than 40 technical-commercial branches.
About HAUSER
HAUSER is a successful European full-service provider of refrigeration equipment and technology for the food retail sector and for industry. Founded in 1946 as a service and installation company for refrigeration systems in Linz-Urfahr/Austria, the company has grown significantly since then. Today, HAUSER uses state-of-the-art processes to manufacture products at two production sites in Austria and the Czech Republic. Its product portfolio includes a wide range of refrigerated cabinets, such as multideck chillers, freezer units, service counters, centralized and decentralized refrigeration systems and their controls, cold rooms and cold storage facilities, as well as a broad array of services including 24-hour service, remote data monitoring and energy optimization. In the 2024/25 financial year, HAUSER generated sales of around 410 million euros with 1,500 employees.
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