Empire Equipment Buys TruTemp, Norm’s Refrigeration

Empire Equipment Co., a portfolio company of Kian Capital, has acquired TruTemp Equipment, based in Phoenix, and Norm’s Refrigeration, based in Anaheim and Hayward, Calif.

The two companies have each been distributing foodservice equipment and aftermarket for over 50 years throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Southern and Northern California markets. The transaction significantly increases the size and geographic reach of Goldsboro, N.C.-based Empire, which has sales offices in Atlanta; Lakeland, Fla.; and Laurel, Md. The combined company will have seven distribution locations throughout the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, and West Coast.

“On behalf of all the employees at TruTemp and Norm’s Refrigeration, we are extremely proud and excited to be joining forces with the Empire family,” says Tim McGillicuddy, TruTemp/Norm’s President and CEO, who cited the companies’ complementary product lines and similar cultures and core values. “Like TruTemp and Norm’s, Empire understands how to grow with its key vendor partners while continuing to serve the needs of its customers.”

All of the employees at TruTemp and Norm’s will be retained, states Empire CEO Jim Kirkland. “We look forward to working with the talented team at TruTemp and Norm’s to continue providing exceptional customer service to their loyal customers,” he added. “Empire is commited to providing leading distribution capabilities to the commercial foodservice equipment industry, and this acquisition continues to extend our capabilities to deliver a world- class customer experience and a platform to support our vendor partners.”