Samsung Electronics has agreed to acquire German heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manufacturer FläktGroup for €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), marking a strategic expansion into smart infrastructure. The deal, made through an agreement with current owner Triton Partners, is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
The transaction marks a broader shift for Samsung as it expands beyond consumer electronics and semiconductors to tap into the fast-growing climate technology market. Demand for advanced HVAC systems is surging globally, driven by stricter environmental regulations, the rise of smart buildings, and increased emphasis on energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Strategic context: Why FläktGroup?
FläktGroup, established in 2016 through the merger of Fläkt Woods and DencoHappel, is a European manufacturer of HVAC systems for commercial and industrial applications. Its systems are deployed in over 65 countries, including facilities like hospitals, airports, museums, and data centers. FläktGroup’s portfolio also extends beyond traditional HVAC. Its systems are embedded in pharma cleanrooms, EV battery gigafactories, and hyperscale data centers, sectors all facing rising energy scrutiny.
The global HVAC market is expected to increase by USD 90.5 billion between 2025 and 2029, driven by digitalization, urbanization, and environmental compliance. While Europe leads in regulatory mandates, markets like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore where Samsung has a strong presence are quickly adopting similar ESG-driven frameworks.
Inside FläktGroup’s patent portfolio
FläktGroup holds patents covering technologies like energy-efficient air movement, digital HVAC controls, and adaptive ventilation. These assets carry particular value in key markets like the EU, China, and the U.S., where tightening regulations are driving demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
FläktGroup: Patenting Activity
FläktGroup’s patenting activity, primarily attributed to its predecessor Fläkt Woods, peaked in 2015, before a sharp decline and a complete pause in patent filings from 2018 to 2021. The slowdown coincided with significant corporate changes, including the October 2016 merger of DencoHappel and Fläkt Woods under Triton Fund IV to form FläktGroup. The hiatus may reflect a period of organizational integration or a strategic focus on commercializing existing technologies. The resumption of filings in 2022 and 2024 suggests renewed investment in innovation.
FläktGroup: Top Technology Areas
FläktGroup’s patent portfolio is strongly focused on ventilation and climate-control technologies, with over 37% of filings falling under air conditioning, air humidification, and ventilation (F24F). Other key areas include climate change mitigation in buildings (Y02B), heat exchange systems (F28D), and fluid flow measurement (G01F). These classifications highlight an innovation strategy aligned with energy efficiency and environmental regulation.
This tight clustering of patents around climate control and energy management suggests that FläktGroup is investing in deep expertise within its niche rather than diversifying broadly. It is a focused approach that positions the company to meet both regulatory pressures and customer demands for smarter, greener building technologies, without diluting resources across unrelated technical fields.
FläktGroup: Top Legal Representatives
Gotapatent AB (SE) and Heinanen Oy (FI) have tied as FläktGroup’s top legal representatives for global patent filings from 2015 to 2025. This is followed by Jensen & Son (GB), Eversheds Sutherland, IPUS Patent & Law Firm (KR), Chas. Hyde A/S (DK), Kolster Oy (FI), and several individual attorneys.
FläktGroup HVAC patents
HVAC box cuts noise without blocking airflow
Reducing noise without compromising airflow remains a key challenge in HVAC design. Traditional regulating boxes often dampen sound by lining internal surfaces with noise-absorbing material, but these solutions can disrupt airflow, increase pressure loss, and reduce energy efficiency.
EP3615869B1, titled “Regulating box for ventilation”, introduces a regulating box equipped with strategically placed noise-damping plates. The first plate, located between the inlet and outlet apertures, features a central hole aligned with the inlet and additional side perforations to control airflow while absorbing noise. The second plate, positioned at the rear wall after the outlet, further dampens sound. This configuration reduces acoustic disruption while preserving ventilation efficiency, thereby lowering fan power requirements and enhancing overall energy performance.
The patent was filed on March 23, 2018, and was published on June 7, 2023. The inventors are Hanne Jokela and Vesa Saari. Kolster Oy Ab represented Fläkt in this patent filing.
Better damper plate, smoother airflow
Conventional damper plates often generate turbulence and back pressure, reducing system efficiency. Sharp-edged steel designs also pose safety risks and require added components like rubber rings to improve sealing and noise control. Additionally, their weight can misalign the adjustment mechanism over time.
WO2018197969A1, titled “Air flow regulating device”, addresses this by introducing a redesigned damper plate that avoids these issues. Instead of flat perforations, the plate features precision-engineered, conically tapered nozzles that extend 2–4 mm from the trailing side of the plate. These nozzles smooth and direct the airflow, reducing turbulence and noise. The design eliminates the need for rubber seals and minimizes weight-related misalignment. Rounded front edges and a consistent 10° taper angle further enhance aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in improved airflow control, lower noise levels, and better overall energy performance.
The patent application was filed on March 23, 2018, and was published on November 1, 2018. The inventors are Hanne Jokela, Vesa Saari, Karoliina Pluuman, and Jari Hokkanen. Heinänen Oy represented Fläkt in this patent filing.
Ultrasound-based system for high-accuracy airflow monitoring
Accurately measuring airflow in ventilation ducts is essential but challenging. Conventional flow sensors suffer from various issues, including pressure loss, noise, and sensitivity to duct geometry, installation errors, temperature changes, and manufacturing tolerances. These factors cause significant measurement inaccuracies, often requiring manual calibration, which is time-consuming and error-prone.
EP3559605B1, titled “Apparatus and method for measuring air flow”, presents an ultrasound-based measurement system that automatically calibrates itself. Using a transmitter and multiple receivers, the system detects phase differences in ultrasound signal reception to determine airflow direction and speed. The device performs dynamic calibration by adjusting signal parameters (like frequency and timing) in response to duct-specific conditions. This auto-calibration accounts for mechanical variations and environmental factors, improving accuracy and reducing the need for manual intervention—especially during installation, startup, or servicing.
The patent was filed on December 13, 2017, and was granted on June 7, 2023. The inventors are Jari Hokkanen, Jari Mikkonen, Erkki Seppäläinen, Timo Lagerstam, and Teuvo Sillanpää. Kolster Oy Ab represented Fläkt in this patent filing.
Future outlook
This acquisition allows Samsung to integrate FläktGroup’s advanced control solutions, such as ‘FläktEdge’, with its existing SmartThings platform and IoT technologies, thus strengthening its position in intelligent building climate control.
(Additional reading: See how Samsung fares in IoT standard essential patents in our latest reports: IoT SEP Report: 3GPP, IoT SEP Report: IEEE)
The deal also follows Samsung’s 2024 joint venture with Lennox International, which expanded its HVAC distribution footprint across North America. These developments signal a broader ambition to become a major force in intelligent climate control solutions.
As buildings evolve into smart, self-regulating environments under increasing regulatory and environmental pressures, HVAC systems are becoming core for energy management. With its latest acquisition, Samsung is not just entering the market, it is also positioning itself to shape the infrastructure of climate-resilient, digitally connected buildings.
