Ofwat has launched consultations into the regulatory issues arising from the changes of ownership of Southern Water Services Limited and of South Staffordshire Water plc.

Ofwat has terminated Mid Kent Water's appointment as a water service provider.

The merger of South East Water and Mid Kent Water looks set to take place later this month, subject to final regulatory clearance. The merger  of the two water companies will create the second-largest water supply company in England and Wales.

The Consumer Council for Water has challenged Bristol Water’s bid to further increase its prices for the next two years.

The Board of Kelda Group plc, owners of Yorkshire water,  notes the movement in its share price and confirmed yesterday  that it has received an approach from an infrastructure consortium backed by Citigroup Alternative Investments LLC, GIC Special Investments Pte Ltd Infracapital Partners LP and HSBC Bank plc.

South Staffordshire Water was sold by the Bahrain-based Arcapita Bank yesterday to the independent private investment firm Alinda Capital Partners at an estimated price of £400 millon.

JP Morgan Asset Management, together with Australian Challenger Infrastructure Fund, has bought Southern Water from owners Royal Bank of Scotland for ₤4.2 billion.

Ofwat has appointed a new water and sewerage company – the first new company to offer both services since privatisation – by granting its twelfth inset appointment.