EQT acquires stake in Yorkshire Water to boost environmental and operational improvements

EQT has agreed to acquire a 42% shareholding in Kelda Holdings Limited, the parent company of Yorkshire Water, a major water and wastewater provider in the UK. The company serves 5.5 million customers across Yorkshire, operating nearly 700 treatment works and over 83,000 km of mains.

This acquisition comes as the UK water sector enters a new phase of investment following the latest regulatory price review. Yorkshire Water plans to invest heavily in its infrastructure, with a focus on service improvements and environmental performance.

EQT will work alongside existing investors and management to drive sustainable improvements, including an £8.3 billion investment program between 2025 and 2030. The plan will enhance environmental protection, infrastructure resilience, and service quality, while creating over 1,000 new local jobs.

The investment strategy focuses on active ownership, digitization, and long-term regional growth. EQT’s portfolio includes companies such as SAUR and Seven Seas Water Group, underscoring its strong track record in the water and environmental sectors.

Kunal Koya, Partner at EQT Infrastructure, said, “Our strong track record as a long-term active owner of large infrastructure assets makes EQT a natural partner for Yorkshire Water. We believe that as a responsible private capital manager, EQT can play an important role in modernizing the UK’s water infrastructure, and the Company’s multi-year investment plan reflects that objective. Together with Yorkshire Water’s existing investors, we will support the sector’s reform agenda and deliver service improvements for customers across the region and transparency for all stakeholders.”

Vanda Murray, Chair of Yorkshire Water, added, “We are delighted that EQT has decided to invest in Yorkshire Water. That decision is a strong endorsement of the strategy we are executing, the business plan we have in place, and the quality and experience of our management team. We are making encouraging progress on “Doing Right by Yorkshire” as we continue to strengthen service, resilience and outcomes for customers and the environment, and EQT’s long-term, responsible approach to ownership is well aligned with our priorities. We look forward to working together as we build on that momentum and continue to deliver against our plans.”

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, including anti-trust clearance.