Beijer Ref, a global distributor of commercial refrigeration, industrial refrigeration and air conditioning, has bought Heritage Distribution Holdings, a U.S.-based heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) distributor, from Gryphon Investors.

HDH was formed from the merger of Wittichen Supply, Benoist Brothers Supply, Ed’s Supply and Coastal Supply Co. and serves the southeastern and midwestern U.S. The company is headquartered in Atlanta with 64 branches in 10 states.

“We have had a remarkable partnership with Gryphon,” comments Alex Averitt, HDH CEO. “With the help of their operating and deal professionals, we were able to quickly and successfully scale the business and invest in our teams across the HDH platform, all while maintaining the unique cultures of the firms we acquired. We look forward to continuing that momentum under our new owners.”

Baird acted as financial advisor to Gryphon, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as Gryphon’s legal counsel.