Ofwat updates water merger guidelines

Ofwat has published revised guidelines for water and wastewater company mergers under the special merger regime set out in the Water Industry Act 1991, including an updated statement of its methods for the assessment of mergers.

The new document takes account of recent mergers and the evolution of the price review methodology since 2015.

This follows a December consultation, including on how Ofwat assess prejudice, potential customer benefits and undertakings in lieu; how it approaches the investigation process; and its expectations of merger parties.