This is more than just a personnel change at the helm of bluu unit. As of March 1, 2026, Patrick Peters has joined Nicolo Freyberg as co-CEO. With this expansion of its executive team, bluu unit is ushering in its next phase of growth. Together with Nicolo Freyberg, he will form the dual CEO leadership team going forward, while Andreas Holch will continue to serve as CFO, overseeing financial strategy.
It’s a clear choice in favor of Patrick. It’s a choice based on his leadership style, what he stands for, and what we believe in: growth comes not from competition, but from collaboration.
Patrick brings over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and data center industries. In his leadership role at the KKL Group, which is now part of bluu unit, he has demonstrated how development works: inspiring people, listening actively, communicating effectively, leading with courage, and simultaneously sharpening the shared vision. His mission: to improve things together, bring people along on the journey, nurture the next generation, and look ahead as a team.
“For me, success always comes from a sense of community. And the stronger that community is, the greater the chance of really making a difference.”
he explains. This idea, in essence, captures exactly what the bluu unit is all about.
From a dynamic network to a growth platform
The bluu unit has grown significantly in recent years. With over 1,200 employees, 31 locations, and operations in multiple countries, we’ve expanded into new markets, taken on new challenges, and adapted to new demands. What has emerged is more than just a network—it’s a platform. A platform that brings together strong mid-sized companies without compromising their individual identities. A platform where knowledge is shared, expertise is pooled, and projects are developed collaboratively.
Looking ahead, this means more than ever: it’s not just about growing, but about growing together in a sustainable way. This requires experience in integration, strong process management, sales expertise, and industry knowledge—and Patrick Peters brings exactly these skills to the table.
A Different Kind of Leadership
Patrick Peters fits right in with the bluu unit’s philosophy precisely because he doesn’t think in terms of traditional roles. “I’m not interested in titles. I’m interested in whether we’re really making progress.”
What drives him is not hierarchy, but impact. Not control, but connection. Not individual interests, but the bigger picture. Anyone who talks to him quickly realizes: He listens. He thinks along with you. And he gets things moving. Or, as he puts it himself: “I just like talking to people.” For him, that’s the key to developing companies holistically—structurally, technologically, and culturally—with a clear focus on sustainable growth and genuine collaboration.
In the right place at the right time
This decision is no coincidence; it comes precisely as the Alliance enters its next phase of development. Practical processes and sales structures will be key drivers of sustainable growth. It’s all about collaboration within the corporate group—about how to turn many strong individual companies into a successful whole. That requires someone who can do exactly that.
Connecting structures.
Engaging people.
Organizing growth.
And this is precisely the role that Patrick Peters assumes as Co-CEO—alongside Nicolo Freyberg, who is responsible for business development, corporate governance, M&A and integration, internationalization, bluu unit International, and HR.
Two perspectives. One goal.
What sets the bluu unit apart is its approach. It’s not about displacement. It’s not about faster, bigger, or louder at any cost. It’s about something else:
“We don’t believe in progress through acquisition alone, but through collaboration. That’s exactly what connects me to Nicolo Freyberg. We share a common understanding of how the industry needs to evolve: away from isolated lone wolves, toward interconnected structures that share knowledge, pool resources, and grow together.”
says Patrick Peters.
In concrete terms, this means: Competitors become partners. Individual companies become part of a larger corporate group. Projects are developed jointly, and new market opportunities are systematically tapped for everyone.
Only by working together can we successfully tackle the issues of the future: natural refrigerants, energy efficiency, data centers, and the next generation. And only by working together can we develop the positive mindset we need. While many talk about the shortage of skilled workers or the challenges we face, Patrick Peters sees opportunities above all else: “For me, the glass is always half full.” Perhaps that is precisely the key difference: not managing problems, but shaping the future. Together.
So what does that mean?
For customers: greater expertise, greater impact, and greater future-proofing.
For partners: new dimensions in collaboration, stability, scalability, and long-term prospects.
And for the industry?
Is this a sign? That there is another way.
That growth and cooperation are not mutually exclusive.
And that something is emerging right now that is stronger than individual companies acting alone.
bluu unit continues to grow. But above all: together.
Bluu unit is an alliance dedicated to natural refrigeration and air conditioning technology that supports ambitious climate goals. To achieve these goals, we need members who have firmly embedded sustainability into their daily business operations. KlimaShop! GmbH, based in Friedberg and the newest member of bluu unit, does not view sustainability as a passing trend, but has been consistently implementing it for years—long before climate protection became an industry-wide issue.
Sustainability That Can Be Measured
For over 15 years, KlimaShop! has adhered to a clear principle: every system installed is accompanied by concrete measures to reduce CO₂ emissions. In return, customers receive their own sustainability certificate that highlights this contribution and is actively promoted within many companies. In doing so, KlimaShop! has established a model that translates sustainability from theory into practice—in a transparent, scalable, and consistent manner.
Climate comfort and energy efficiency designed to last
KlimaShop! is run by second-generation managing directors Armin (left) and Peter Spengler (right) and employs around 30 people. The company has over 55 years of experience in the field of HVAC technology and has continued to evolve throughout this time.
Projects such as the Best Western Hotel München-Airport and the Sternodrom office complex in Augsburg demonstrate how modern HVAC systems and smart energy use can be combined to achieve long-term results. For this work, KlimaShop! was honored with the Panasonic PRO Award just last year and cited by the German Federal Environment Agency as a model example of outstanding, sustainable solutions. The combination of innovative craftsmanship, business continuity, a family-oriented corporate culture, and professional standards makes KlimaShop! a partner that is a perfect fit for bluu unit.
Technical expertise and personal dedication with proven results
KlimaShop! strengthens its network through technical expertise in energy-efficient HVAC systems, clearly structured processes, and high efficiency. In addition, the company stands out for its open, team-oriented approach, its many years of experience—particularly in the hospitality, office, and commercial real estate sectors—and its excellent customer loyalty, which extends far beyond service and maintenance. This combination not only creates added value for customers but also unlocks new potential for collaboration and knowledge transfer within the alliance.
Potential for both sides
“KlimaShop! stands for a strong corporate culture, values put into practice, and a high degree of responsibility toward both customers and its own employees. It is precisely companies like this that help our alliance grow,”
says Nicolo Freyberg, Managing Director and Co-CEO of bluu unit.
Peter Spengler, CEO of KlimaShop!, is also looking ahead with confidence:
“For us, joining bluu unit is an important step toward preparing our company for the next generation. We want to build a sustainable future for our life’s work while offering our employees stable prospects.”
Ensuring growth, shaping the future, offering opportunities
With the addition of KlimaShop!, bluu unit continues its strategy of strategically integrating companies that offer more than just technical expertise. A strong identity, clear values, and a consistent focus on the climate-friendly technologies of tomorrow are what bind this alliance together. It is driven by companies that don’t just articulate their values—they put them into practice, thereby demonstrating what the future of refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation technology can look like.
The answer lies in a real-life example: Jonas from KKL in Düsseldorf spent two weeks at Heuberger in Bayreuth to deepen his knowledge of CO₂ refrigeration technology. An experience that shows what makes the Coldest Crew so special.
Learning Across Organizational Boundaries
The bluu unit network opens up opportunities that extend beyond our own location. Over the course of these two weeks, Jonas was able to not only develop his professional skills but also learn new ways of working and new approaches. It is precisely this ability to think outside the box that is a central component of collaboration within the Alliance.
Share knowledge. Grow together.
In discussions with Daniel von Heuberger and the on-site team, it quickly became clear that knowledge transfer is not a matter of chance, but rather a matter of practice. Experiences are shared, questions are openly discussed, and solutions are developed together. This not only strengthens professional expertise but also builds trust between the teams.
An experience to remember
For Jonas, those two weeks were more than just a professional exchange. It was an experience that demonstrated just how important collaboration, openness, and trust are. And that is exactly what defines the bluu unit: an environment where people can grow together.
For employees, this means recognizing and seizing opportunities. The Coldest Crew offers an environment where growth is not only possible but actively encouraged.
Learn more about the Coldest Crew
The bluu unit Alliance continues on its growth trajectory and welcomes AC Service GmbH from Heusenstamm as a new member. This addition strengthens bluu unit’s presence in the Rhine-Main region and further enhances the Alliance’s comprehensive service expertise. This underscores bluu unit’s commitment to further developing refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation technology as well as data center solutions in Europe in a value-driven and goal-oriented manner—with clear standards, a long-term focus, and regional customer proximity.
With AC Service, bluu unit is not only gaining another strong HVAC specialist but also a proven expert in maintenance and service. For the young and dynamic team led by Managing Director Thorsten Seitz, neither of these is a secondary service but rather the central core of the business model. The focus is clearly on long-term customer relationships, high reliability in meeting deadlines, and a holistic view across the entire lifecycle of a system. This aligns with bluu unit’s value-oriented growth strategy, which relies on stable, sustainable partnerships and specialists whose individual strengths benefit all members of the alliance.
AC Service: a young team with a bright future and plenty of room for growth
The motivated team of around 20 employees, many of whom are highly trained, impresses its customers every day with its reliability, quick response times, and a wide range of services—including hygiene inspections in accordance with VDI 6022 and rapid troubleshooting. Beyond maintenance and service, the company has established itself in the region as an implementation partner for a variety of customer requests, including larger plant engineering projects. The bluu unit alliance represents a logical and important step for the company’s future development.
Sustainable customer success as a shared goal
“Technical excellence thrives on continuous improvement, and this is precisely where bluu unit offers us the right perspective. We look forward to a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and the decentralized model. At the same time, we want to actively contribute our service and maintenance expertise and learn from one another alongside the other members.”
emphasizes Thorsten Seitz, managing director of AC Service.
Nicolo Freyberg, co-CEO and managing director of bluu unit, adds:
“Maintenance and service are key factors in ensuring long-term customer success. AC Service is the best proof of how successful this approach is. Building on this strength, we will further solidify our position in the market.”
Long-term partnership and high-quality service
The shared goal: to support customers in a future-proof manner over the long term—through sustainable solutions, deep technical expertise, maximum availability, and long-term support. In this way, bluu unit is solidifying its position as a leading alliance in refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation technology. Together, the group develops sustainable, future-proof solutions that deliver both economic and environmental benefits, transcending national borders.
How does a strong alliance translate into active collaboration in everyday life?
With this very question in mind, more than 50 project and service managers from bluu unit, representing over 30 locations in Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland, gathered in Stuttgart in early March.
The goal of the meeting was not only to conceptualize the bluu unit at a strategic level, but also to bring it to life where it makes a difference every day: in day-to-day operations. That is where projects are managed, services are delivered, and partnerships are actively shaped.
From a network to active collaboration
The focus of the day was the bluu unit vision—the shared understanding that unites the alliance and provides guidance for our daily work. Through open conversations, group discussions, and practical insights, it became clear just how important a shared understanding is for strong and sustainable collaboration.
Another key component was partner management within the alliance. This involved not only structures and processes, but above all the question of how collaboration in day-to-day operations could be made even more effective, transparent, and binding.
A space for genuine connection
In addition to the key topics discussed, one thing in particular played a decisive role: personal interaction. The meeting provided an opportunity to get to know one another, share experiences, and broaden one’s perspective. This is precisely where the foundation for trust—and thus for a functioning and vibrant alliance—is laid.
The day was rounded off with a shared experience at the TVB Stuttgart vs. THW Kiel handball game. It was an evening that not only thrilled sports fans but, above all, further strengthened team spirit and camaraderie.
The Next Step as an Alliance
The project and service manager meeting has once again demonstrated the potential inherent in the close collaboration within the bluu unit. With new ideas, strengthened ties, and a clear shared understanding, the alliance continues to move toward strong Europe-wide cooperation.
On February 5, 2026, more than 60 decision-makers from our alliance met at the former main customs office in Hamburg—a place steeped in history and a setting that perfectly matches our dynamic, joint development.
With 30 locations in Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland, and more than 1,200 specialists in the fields of refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and data center technology, bluu unit has grown into a strong alliance of regional specialists with an international perspective. The day was all about exchange, changing perspectives, and cooperation on an equal footing.
Openness, networking, and working together
The network meeting was not a routine start to the year. Rather, it provided an opportunity to welcome new members and at the same time work on integrating our expertise even more effectively. The focus was on questions such as:
- – How can we make the best use of our expertise?
- – Where does collaboration lead to new customer solutions?
- – How do we implement projects together across regional boundaries?
These questions led to intensive discussions and constructive perspectives that will not only sharpen the strategic focus of the alliance, but also support practical cooperation in the coming months and years.
Our alliance thrives on cooperation
What sets bluu unit apart is not only the size of its network, but also the active collaboration between its members. Our alliance is built on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and a genuine desire to work together to create better solutions—for customers, for projects, and for the sustainable development of the industry.
In Hamburg, it once again became clear that bluu unit is more than just a loose association of companies: together, we think ahead, pool our expertise, and create genuine connectivity that has an impact beyond individual locations.
Looking ahead
The meeting demonstrated how valuable direct exchange is—not only for strategic alignment, but also for personal networking and day-to-day collaboration. The alliance continues to grow, enriched by new members and fresh perspectives.
We would like to thank all members who actively contributed to this day and look forward to continuing to work together on forward-looking solutions for our customers and the industry.
With KKT Innovations GmbH, the bluu unit alliance gains a highly specialized partner for sophisticated customized solutions in refrigeration, air conditioning, and MSR technology, and is continuing to develop its service portfolio and comprehensive regional presence in a targeted manner. The acquisition is part of a clear growth strategy that focuses on technical excellence, specialist expertise, regional customer proximity, and long-term added value.
Targeted enhancement of expertise for complex applications
KKT Innovations is one of the leading market players in the field of modular construction for refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation technology and has in-depth expertise in sensitive areas of application such as operating rooms, laboratories, clinics, pharmaceuticals, research, and IT. KKT Innovations has been reliably setting new standards for many years, particularly in areas where the highest standards of operational safety, hygiene, regulation, and individual planning are required. This enables bluu unit to strengthen its expertise in technically demanding future fields and expand its range of services for customers who require tailor-made, resilient solutions, including sustainable and natural refrigeration technology.
KKT Innovations GmbH: Expertise, individuality, and entrepreneurial continuity
KKT Innovations GmbH, based in Cadolzburg, employs 54 people and is managed by three managing directors, Gerald Loy, Ralf Leykauf, and Roland Bau, who also co-founded the company. KKT Innovations stands for customer-specific solutions from a single source, high quality standards, and a team-oriented approach in small, specialized project groups. This ensures that complex requirements are covered holistically across all service phases, from consulting, planning, and project development to implementation, after-sales service, and long-term support for regular customers. Innovative reference projects such as the planning and execution of prefabricated laboratory and building units for the University of Bonn's Rotation Building show that KKT Innovations is constantly working on new solutions to successfully meet demanding customer requirements.
An important addition to the bluu unit alliance
With the integration of KKT Innovations, bluu unit is expanding its technical depth and adding key expertise in modular construction, equipment manufacturing, and MSR technology to its existing portfolio. This not only benefits new projects, but also strengthens existing members by providing them with additional know-how to implement complex customer projects on a completely individual basis.
Growing together with a clear perspective
"KKT Innovations complements bluu unit in key future fields such as modular construction, healthcare, and laboratories. Modular construction stands for efficient, flexible, and resource-saving solutions for technically demanding projects."
says Nicolo Freyberg, managing director of bluu unit.
"At the same time, with another member in Bavaria, we are strengthening our regional presence and underlining our commitment to comprehensive customer proximity and technical excellence."
KKT Innovations also sees the collaboration as a long-term development opportunity. Gerald Loy, one of the three managing directors of KKT Innovations GmbH, explains:
"At bluu unit, we find an environment that complements our strengths and enables us, first, to pursue our chosen path even more consistently and, second, to continue growing together. We see great potential to apply our expertise even more broadly and to actively make a difference in the industry together."
With members such as KKT Innovations, bluu unit combines sustainable growth with a high level of technical expertise. As an alliance of independent, regionally based companies, it consistently pursues its goal of integrating specialized partners and further developing its service portfolio in clearly defined areas of expertise.
With the Irish company Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning joining the alliance, bluu unit is strengthening its presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic markets – with the clear objective of anchoring and actively advancing its market-leading expertise in natural refrigerants in another country. At the same time, the alliance also aims to expand its existing capabilities in data centre solutions.
Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and bluu unit form a highly complementary partnership: one of Ireland’s leading specialists in refrigeration and air conditioning, with a nationwide service network and extensive expertise in the application of natural refrigerants, meets the technological depth and system competence of a strong alliance. Initial joint projects and intensive knowledge exchange already demonstrate how expertise, standards and service capabilities are leveraged across national borders to support customers in a holistic and future-proof manner.
Strategic alliance
The acquisition provides an ideal foundation to systematically further develop the Irish market, strategically expand the alliance in terms of both breadth and depth, support ambitious decarbonisation targets and future-proof energy-intensive industries – particularly in the context of the EU’s intensified F-gas regulation. At the same time, existing bluu unit alliance customers in Ireland also benefit from the expanded presence and the new location: established networks of high-quality refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants – for example in the hotel and leisure sector as well as other application areas – can now be serviced more quickly, efficiently and sustainably on site.
Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: A strong partner in the Irish market
Based in Dublin, Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning employs around 70 people and is particularly known for its high service quality and comprehensive expertise in installing and maintaining complex systems – including food sector, data centres, retail, hospitality, pharmaceuticals and educational facilities. What truly distinguishes the company is its strong focus on highly qualified professionals, natural refrigerants and the highest standards of excellence in project organisation, customer support, service and maintenance. This aligns perfectly with the strategic direction and value-driven approach of the bluu unit alliance and forms a strong foundation for close co-operation and joint development.
Management Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
(from left to right) Jim Weldon, Paul Byrne, Hugh Weldon, Vincent Weldon
A win-win situation for all parties involved
“Joining bluu unit is a strategic decision for sustainable growth. We share the same commitment to quality, technical standards and future-ready solutions. The alliance’s partnership-driven approach allows us to remain independent while continuing to grow and becoming even stronger together”
explains Vincent Weldon, Joint Managing Director of Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
From an operational perspective, the collaboration also opens up new opportunities. Jim Weldon, Joint Managing Director of Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, adds:
“Complex systems require maximum operational reliability and deep technical expertise. Working with bluu unit enables us to further develop and enhance our service and delivery capabilities to support our customers here in Ireland, while also creating opportunities at an international level.”
For bluu unit, Ireland represents a key growth market, as Nicolo Freyberg, Managing Director of bluu unit, emphasises:
“The demand for reliable and sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning solutions is growing rapidly in those sectors where bluu unit is already successfully active. With our profound expertise, we deliver holistic solutions that sustainably increase efficiency and provide long-term regulatory certainty.”
With Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, a powerful combination is created: locally established service strength combined with the advanced technological expertise of the entire alliance. For bluu unit, this marks another decisive step on its path towards becoming a leading pan-European provider of high-quality, future-proof solutions in refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and data centre technologies.
More about TECH Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
"It quickly became clear to everyone that KKL is a perfect fit for bluu unit in terms of expertise, culture and people. For me this alliance is much more than a business decision, though. It is the dawn of a new era in refrigeration and air-conditioning technology," says Patrick Peters (Managing Director of KKL Klimatechnik-Vertriebs GmbH, a member of bluu unit).
The current article on NaturalRefrigerants.com also clearly shows how strongly the PFAS discussion will shape our industry and why it also offers an enormous opportunity to further promote the use of natural refrigerants. This is a path that KKL and bluu unit consciously chose many years ago.
In a world where regulation, sustainability and innovation increasingly go hand in hand, networking is becoming more important than ever. Those who focus on natural solutions early on and join strong networks can not only have a say but also lead the way.
Read the full article on NaturalRefrigerants.com
bluu unit is continuing its expansion beyond Germany's borders and has signed an agreement with the IPS Group to become part of the alliance. The alliance is thus expanding its network not only geographically but also strategically, taking an important step towards internationalization and expanding its expertise in refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation technology. At the same time, bluu unit is strengthening its position as a sustainable market leader with high quality and service standards and is also following its customers across national borders.
Market environment in Europe: challenges and opportunities
Markets across Europe are facing very similar drivers: stricter PFAS regulation, infrastructure investment backlog, digitalization and the associated expansion of data centers as well as rising temperatures - especially in urban areas. All of this increases the need for high-quality refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation technology. From this perspective in particular, strategic growth beyond national borders is an important step for the future of the bluu unit.
IPS Gebäudetechnik: Strong position in the Swiss market
IPS Gebäudetechnik AG was founded in 2012 and is managed by the brothers Kenan and Adnan Lisnjic. Within a decade, the two have developed the company into one of the leading specialists for ventilation technology in the canton of Bern. Today, IPS generates a large proportion of its turnover in this core area. Since 2022, Berger Klima Biel AG has also been part of the group and strengthens IPS's expertise in refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation technology. IPS and Berger's customers include public clients, hospitals and schools as well as B2B customers. The portfolio also includes flagship projects such as the Festhalle and the recently won police center project in Bern.
Just like the bluu unit, IPS and Berger stand for high reliability, excellent quality and solution-oriented consulting. Together, the expertise in the field of refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation technology can be expanded across borders and the internationalization of the alliance can be further advanced.
Young, ambitious, entrepreneurial
The brothers are now 40 and 34 years old and have clearly divided the roles in the management. While Kenan Lisnjic is primarily responsible for operational organization and service, Adnan Lisnjic focuses on employee management and technical project management. They are both united by a clear aspiration: quality and reliability at the highest level.
"For us, the alliance is not the end of our idea, but a new beginning - we want to actively shape and grow."
emphasizes Kenan Lisnjic (left), who remains a shareholder of the IPS Group together with his brother Adnan Lisnjic (right) and the bluu unit.
The alliance gains depth and reach
With IPS Gebäudetechnik AG and Berger Klima Biel AG, Allianz is tapping into the Swiss market for the first time - a region with high quality standards, growing demand for sustainable building technology and ideal conditions for joint growth. At the same time, Switzerland is regarded as an economically strong country with a state-of-the-art infrastructure that intends to maintain this standard in the future. The potential for scalable, efficient solutions is correspondingly high.
"Entering the Swiss market with one of the country's leading ventilation and air conditioning companies enables bluu unit to continue its targeted growth in one country and implement the best solutions for customers and the environment across borders."
explains Nicolo Freyberg, Managing Director of bluu unit.
(from left to right) Adnan Lisnjic, Kenan Lisnjic, Nicolo Freyberg
Looking to the future together
The inclusion of IPS Gebäudetechnik AG and Berger Klima Biel AG shows the many ways in which the alliance can grow: through regional strength, entrepreneurial passion and the willingness to break new ground together: With high quality standards and a quality of service that sets standards throughout the industry.
"We see enormous potential to jointly develop further companies and drive forward the internationalization of the alliance."
says Kenan Lisnjic.