Watsco Acquires Southern Ice Equipment Distributors

Core Viewpoint - Watsco, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Southern Ice Equipment Distributors and two other companies, enhancing its distribution network and annualized sales in high-growth Sunbelt markets [1][3]. Company Overview - Watsco, Inc. operates the largest distribution network for HVAC/R products across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, with over 702 locations [5]. - The company focuses on the replacement market, which is growing due to aging systems and the need for energy-efficient models [6]. Acquisitions - The acquisition of Southern Ice, along with two other transactions, adds 10 new locations and approximately $47 million in annualized sales [3][9]. - Southern Ice, founded in 1984, is a leading distributor in food-service and commercial refrigeration, operating in key Sunbelt markets [2]. Environmental Impact - Watsco has contributed to reducing CO2e emissions by an estimated 23.7 million metric tons from January 2020 to March 2025 through the sale of higher-efficiency HVAC systems [8]. - The company plays a significant role in lowering household energy consumption, as HVAC systems account for about half of U.S. household energy use [7]. Strategic Goals - Watsco aims to identify and partner with strong businesses in the HVAC/R industry, support their growth, and leverage technology for innovation [10].