Pennon Group / Bristol Water

Merger decision announced:

The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that the following Merger has prejudiced or is likely to prejudice Ofwat's ability, in carrying out its functions, to make comparisons between water enterprises.

Completed acquisition by Pennon Group plc of Bristol Water Holdings UK Limited

The CMA is therefore considering whether to accept undertakings under section 33D of the Water Industry Act 1991 in lieu of a reference. The Parties have until 31 December 2021 to offer an undertaking that might be accepted by the CMA under section 33D of the Water Industry Act 1991. If no such undertaking is offered, then the CMA will refer this Merger pursuant to section 32 of the Water Industry Act 1991, as amended by Water Act 2014.

The text of this decision will be placed on the Competition and Markets Authority's website at www.gov.uk/CMA as soon as is reasonably practicable.

In the event of media enquiries please email Press@cma.gov.uk.