One of Europe’s largest infrastructure investors has agreed to take a major stake in the company behind Yorkshire Water. Swedish private equity firm EQT confirmed on Monday that it will acquire a 42% shareholding in Kelda Holdings, the parent company of the region’s water provider. The Yorkshire Water EQT investment backs a plan to spend £8.3bn upgrading infrastructure and improving environmental performance across the region between 2025 and 2030.
Yorkshire Water serves approximately 5.5 million customers and 140,000 businesses across the region. It operates nearly 700 treatment works, 120 reservoirs and more than 83,000 km of water mains. EQT, which has invested over £10bn in UK-headquartered businesses to date, brings experience from its ownership of French water management company SAUR and US-based Seven Seas Water Group. The deal is expected to complete by June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
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Lord Stockwood, Minister for Investment, Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury said:
“I warmly welcome this commitment from a leading global infrastructure investor. EQT’s decision to invest in the UK’s regulated water sector underlines the strength of our investment environment and the trust international partners place in the UK economy. It demonstrates that the UK remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for long‑term, sustainable investment.”
Why this matters for Leeds
The £8.3bn investment plan means significant supply chain opportunities for Leeds-based construction, engineering and professional services firms. The commitment to hire 1,000+ people locally will support the regional jobs market.
More Information:
WY Chamber: wnychamber.co.uk
