EQT Invests in Yorkshire Water to Support Infrastructure Upgrades

In a move to bolster water infrastructure in the UK, private equity firm EQT has agreed to acquire a 42% shareholding in Kelda Holdings Limited, the parent company of Yorkshire Water. Yorkshire Water is a major provider of water and wastewater services in the Yorkshire region. According to the press release, EQT is 'committed to investing further equity' to support Yorkshire Water's investment plan to upgrade and modernize its critical water and wastewater networks. This investment is part of EQT's broader strategy to support sustainable infrastructure projects that deliver essential public services. 'Yorkshire Water plays a vital role in providing clean water and wastewater treatment for millions of people and businesses in the Yorkshire region,' said Thomas von Koch, Managing Partner at EQT. 'We look forward to partnering with the Yorkshire Water team to accelerate their ambitious investment program and drive forward their sustainability agenda.' The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first half of 2023. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. This investment comes at a crucial time, as water utilities across the UK grapple with aging infrastructure, environmental pressures, and the need to improve resilience. As reported by *The Maritime Executive*, the UK water industry has committed to investing £51 billion over the next five years to upgrade treatment works, pipe networks, and other critical assets. 'Securing long-term investment to modernize our infrastructure is essential if we are to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the environment,' said Liz Barber, CEO of Yorkshire Water. 'We're delighted to be partnering with EQT, whose expertise and resources will help accelerate our ambitious plans.' This deal represents EQT's latest move in the water infrastructure space, following its acquisition of UK utility Affinity Water in 2021. The firm's focus on sustainable, mission-critical assets aligns with growing investor interest in the water sector as communities grapple with climate change impacts and aging systems.