A history spanning more than 150 years
Takeovers, mergers and divestments have marked the history. The common denominator over the years has been that the company has always been involved in trading in some form. What started with grain, coal and coke has today developed into a group that focuses entirely on cooling and air conditioning. Below are some important dates in Beijer Ref’s history.
1866
It all starts
The trading company Firma G Beijer was founded in Malmö by swedish businessman Gottfried Beijer.
1877
G&L Beijer is formed
Gottfried Beijer joins brother Lorens Beijer and forms G&L Beijer. Initially, the company mainly traded in cereals.
1894
Branch in Stockholm
In 1894, Waldemar Beijer opened a branch in Stockholm. After Waldemar Beijer broke contact with his half-brothers Gottfried and Lorens, in 1904 this branch became the separate company G&L Beijer Import & Export, which would later become Beijer Invest and also have links later to Beijer Bygg and Beijer Alma.
1908
The limited liability company G&L Beijer
G&L Beijer is converted into a limited liability company
1930
Coal and coke
Now the company's shipments of coal and coke reach their peak. The war in the 1940s forced the company into major changes and departments for building materials, exports of machinery and tools and timber trading were started.
1939
The business expands
Beijer now operates in three main areas: coal, pig iron and rolled steel.
1954
New times mean new goods to trade
Oil replaces coal as the main commodity for G&L Beijer.
1966
100 years!
G&L Beijer celebrates its 100th anniversary.
1992
The investment company Skrinet becomes majority shareholder
When the listed company Skrinet AB acquired 62 per cent of the shares in G&L Beijer AB, a new era started in the company's history. Two years later, G&L Beijer became wholly owned by Skrinet. The Beijer and Hain families, who have been the main owners of G&L Beijer since its inception, now became the main owners of Skrinet.
1995
Name change
Skrinet AB becomes G&L Beijer AB.
2004
Biggest in Europe
The acquisition of a number of Central European refrigeration wholesalers from the Danish group Danfoss means that Beijer goes from being the biggest in the Nordic region to the biggest of its kind in Europe.
2009
Biggest acquisition in the group’s history
When Beijer acquires Carrier's refrigeration business in Europe and Africa, this becomes the group's biggest ever acquisition.
2010
Pure refrigeration wholesaler
The Beijer Tech business area is sold and G&L Beijer becomes solely a distributor of refrigeration and HVAC.
2011
Toshiba is linked more closely; the first acquisition in OEM
A significant deal with Toshiba gives Beijer exclusive rights to distribute the brand's air conditioning and heating products in 11 countries in Europe. The acquisition of SCM Frigo also occurs during the year, which means that Beijer Ref takes the first step towards developing environmentally friendly refrigeration units.
2014
The group has a new name
Because the group has chosen to fully focus its operations on refrigeration and HVAC, G&L Beijer AB changes its name to Beijer Ref AB.
2015
Expansion outside Europe
Beijer Ref performs the key acquisition of Australian refrigeration wholesaler Patton and establishes itself in three new markets: New Zealand, Australia and India.
2016
A 150-year-old that makes acquisitions in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom
Beijer Ref strengthens its position in Asia Pacific through the acquisition of Realcold, which is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand and has about 20 branches in New Zealand and Australia. In Europe one of the UK's largest refrigeration wholesalers - HRP - is acquired. The company also celebrates 150 years.
2017
Growing in Africa
The acquisition of one of South Africa's leading refrigeration wholesalers, Tecsa Reco, begins. Beijer Ref is also behind the first environmentally friendly refrigeration system at retail giant Metro in China.
2018
Year of acquisitions
Heatcraft, Australia's leading refrigeration wholesaler, is acquired. Beijer Ref's share of sales in the Asia-Pacific region is doubled. Acquisitions are also made of the HVAC companies Lumelco in Spain and GH2C in France. The acquisition of one of South Africa's leading refrigeration wholesalers, Tecsa Reco, is approved by the Competition Authority.
2020
Beijer Ref is a worldwide group
Beijer Ref is a worldwide group that provides global expertise in temperature control solutions.