The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is progressing work on its investigation into Pennon Group’s acquisition of Sutton and East Surrey Water which opened on 11 January 2024.

The CMA is investigating the completed acquisition by Pennon Group Plc of Sumisho Osaka Gas Water UK Ltd, including its subsidiaries Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc, Summit Water Ltd and Osaka Gas UK Ltd) under the Water Industry Act 1991.

The competition regulator is considering whether a merger of two or more water enterprises has taken place and, if so, whether the creation of that situation is likely to prejudice Ofwat’s ability, in carrying out its functions, to make comparisons between water enterprises.

The CMA has now issued a preliminary ‘invitation to comment’ to allow interested parties to submit any initial views on the impact that the transaction could have on water regulation in England and Wales.

The invitation to comment is the first part of the CMA’s information-gathering process - the CMA has not yet launched its formal investigation into the transaction.

Deadline to submit comments is 12 March 2024 - written representations about any competition issues should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .