AeriTek acquires Due North, expands refrigeration reach into micro markets

AeriTek Global Holdings has acquired Due North, the manufacturer of QBD and Minus Forty coolers, creating a stronger refrigeration platform for beverage, foodservice, convenience and micro market operators across North America.
Sept. 10, 2025

Key Highlights

  • Micro market relevance: Due North’s grab-and-go coolers and freezers are widely used in micro markets and foodservice
  • Bigger refrigeration platform: AeriTek and Due North combine to create a stronger global player in commercial refrigeration

  • Well-known brands: The deal brings QBD and Minus Forty into AeriTek’s portfolio, expanding product options

  •  Innovation and efficiency: The combined company plans to emphasize energy-efficient designs and sustainable solutions

AeriTek Global Holdings, parent of Imbera and Torrey, has acquired Due North, the manufacturer behind QBD and Minus Forty refrigerated merchandisers. The move creates “a global refrigeration platform” with a strong presence in North America, serving beverage, foodservice, convenience and micro market channels.

For operators, the deal pairs Due North’s portfolio of compact, energy-efficient coolers and freezers widely used in unattended retail with AeriTek’s foodservice equipment lineup. The combined company says it will deliver expanded distribution, enhanced service and product innovation to meet growing demand for grab-and-go merchandising.

“Due North’s strong foothold in high growth markets and reputation for quality make it an ideal partner,” said Mark Paolano, partner at Mill Point Capital, the private equity firm that owns AeriTek, in a release. AeriTek’s leadership team will work with Due North’s Troy Shannan and management team to pursue growth opportunities and “deliver enhanced value to customers across the combined platform,” Paolano added.

With demand for reliable refrigeration continuing to climb in micro markets and convenience locations, the acquisition signals increased investment and scale in the equipment sector serving convenience services operators.

About the Author

Linda Becker

Editor-in-Chief

Linda Becker is editor-in-chief of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. She has more than 20 years of experience in B2B publishing, writing, editing and producing content for magazines, websites, webinars, podcasts, newsletters and eBooks, primarily for manufacturing and process engineering audiences. Since joining Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, Linda has developed a new appreciation for the convenience services industry and the essential role it plays. She is dedicated to serving readers by covering the latest news in the vending, office coffee service and micro market industry. She can be reached at 262-203-9924 or [email protected].

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