Trane Technologies acquires Thermo King dealer TKV to expand European cold chain logistics

Trane Technologies has completed the acquisition of Transport-Kälte-Vertrieb (TKV), a long-standing dealer of Thermo King and Frigoblock systems in southern Germany. The deal, finalised on 4 May, marks a strategic move to expand Thermo King’s direct sales and service operations across Europe. TKV had operated as one of five independent Thermo King and Frigoblock dealers in Germany for 55 years. The company specialised in temperature-controlled transport solutions, particularly for road freight. Demand in this sector has grown due to stricter regulations on temperature compliance and sustainability goals.

The acquired business will now trade under the name TK Deutschland. Jorge Estelle Caro, previously Regional Director for North & Central Europe at Thermo King, has been appointed to lead the newly renamed division. Meanwhile, Herwig Kiesling, TKV’s former owner and managing director, will stay on to support the company’s ongoing development.

Claudio Zanframundo, President of Thermo King EMEA, highlighted the acquisition as a chance to accelerate investment and growth. Thermo King already runs a network of over 500 service locations across 75 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The deal strengthens its position in a market where cold chain logistics are becoming increasingly critical. The takeover aligns with Thermo King’s broader strategy to build its in-house sales and service capabilities in Europe. TK Deutschland will continue serving customers in southern Germany while benefiting from expanded resources under Trane Technologies’ ownership. The move reflects the growing importance of temperature-controlled transport in modern supply chains.