Pentair Acquires Hydra-Stop to Enhance Sustainable Water Management in Expanding Urban Areas
Acquisition Announcement: Pentair plc will acquire Hydra-Stop LLC, a U.S. manufacturer of specialty valve solutions, for $290 million in cash, with a net transaction value of approximately $240 million after tax benefits.
Business Overview: Hydra-Stop, based in Burr Ridge, Illinois, employs over 50 people and generates nearly all its sales in the U.S., expected to reach around $50 million in sales by 2025 with margins near 30%.
Strategic Importance: The acquisition aims to enhance Pentair's commercial and infrastructure business by providing better solutions for municipalities to maintain water flow and reduce losses, aligning with the company's mission to improve global water sustainability.
Integration Plans: Following regulatory approval, Hydra-Stop will be integrated into Pentair’s Commercial and Infrastructure unit under the Flow business segment, with expectations for completion by the end of 2025.
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- Grant Program Launch: The American Water Charitable Foundation has launched its 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program, inviting community partners to apply for grants aimed at promoting clean water, environmental education, and water-based recreation projects, which is expected to enhance community awareness of water resource protection.
- Historical Funding Data: In 2025, the foundation awarded a total of $1.7 million to 80 organizations across 12 states, including 11 organizations in Illinois, demonstrating its ongoing support and investment in local communities, which is anticipated to enhance the project execution capabilities of these organizations.
- Community Impact: The funding will support various initiatives, such as providing water safety education to 75 youth, helping them build confidence and skills in the water, which is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of drowning among children and improve community safety.
- Long-term Commitment: Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $25 million through grants and matching gifts to positively impact communities, showcasing American Water's long-term commitment to sustainability, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future water resource management and conservation efforts.
- Shareholder Voting Outcome: At today's special shareholder meetings, 99% of American Water (AWK) shareholders approved the share issuance proposal, while nearly 95% of Essential Utilities (WTRG) shareholders supported the merger, indicating strong market confidence and shareholder backing.
- Post-Merger Scale: The combined company is expected to have a water and wastewater rate base of $29.3 billion by the end of 2024, covering 17 states and 18 military installations, significantly enhancing market competitiveness and service capabilities.
- Earnings Growth Expectations: The merged entity anticipates maintaining American Water's (AWK) earnings per share and dividend growth targets in the range of 7%-9%, indicating stability in future profitability and shareholder returns.
- Equity Structure: Post-merger, American Water (AWK) shareholders will own approximately 69% of the combined entity, while Essential Utilities (WTRG) shareholders will hold about 31%, which will influence future corporate governance and strategic decision-making.
- Shareholder Voting Results: At today's special shareholder meetings, approximately 99% of American Water's shareholders approved the share issuance, while nearly 95% of Essential Utilities' shareholders supported the merger, reflecting strong confidence in the transaction and expected synergies in the water utility sector.
- Merger Timeline: The merger is anticipated to close by the end of Q1 2027, subject to customary closing conditions including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and necessary regulatory approvals, which will influence the merger's successful execution.
- Market Impact: The merger will position American Water as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., serving over 14 million people, enhancing market competitiveness while providing improved services to Essential Utilities' 5.5 million customers, thereby enhancing customer experience.
- Strategic Significance: This merger represents not only a consolidation of resources and technologies between the two companies but also promotes sustainable growth and operational excellence, further solidifying their leadership in the water and natural gas service sectors, aligning with future market demand changes.

- Shareholder Approval: American Water and Essential Utilities shareholders have approved merger-related proposals.
- Special Meetings: The approvals were granted during special shareholder meetings held for the respective companies.
- Infrastructure Investment: At the 2026 NARUC Winter Policy Summit, American Water highlighted its critical role in addressing infrastructure needs, committing to investments that enhance system resiliency to ensure safe and reliable water services for over 14 million customers.
- Technology Utilization: The company leverages advanced technologies to enhance customer satisfaction and employs tools for rapid leak detection and resolution, thereby optimizing service quality and increasing customer trust and satisfaction.
- Industry Leadership: By participating in events like NARUC, American Water engages with regulators and industry leaders to advance innovative, customer-focused solutions, ensuring the sustainable development of the industry.
- Workforce Development: The company emphasized the importance of supporting workforce development at the summit, showcasing its commitment to cultivating skilled professionals and enhancing service quality to meet future challenges and opportunities.
- Industry Leadership Engagement: American Water actively participates in the 2026 NARUC Winter Policy Summit, showcasing its leadership in the water and wastewater sector while emphasizing its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable water services.
- Technological Innovation Application: Chief Technology Officer Deb Degillio highlights in the AI in Water panel how artificial intelligence is optimizing water treatment and monitoring system performance, enhancing customer engagement, and promoting environmental sustainability.
- Leak Detection Program: Justin Ladner, President of Pennsylvania American Water, discusses the Leak Detection Program, emphasizing its importance in reducing water loss and improving service reliability through smart infrastructure, which directly impacts customer satisfaction.
- Infrastructure and Development: American Water plays a critical role in addressing infrastructure needs, protecting water quality, and supporting workforce development, advancing innovative, customer-focused solutions through participation in conferences like NARUC.





