Northumbrian Water

Parent company: Northumbrian Water Group plc

Regulated utility: Northumbrian Water Ltd

The ownership of Northumbrian Water has recently changed. For some years it has been part of the French Suez group that incorporated Lyonnaise des Eaux called Ondeo. Now Northumbrian Water is to be returned to the stock exchange. It has been sold by Ondeo to a new quoted company called Northumbrian Water Group that will be listed on the London Alternative Investment market. Eventually the intention is to seek a listing on the main London stock exchange.

As well as water and wastewater supply in the North East, the company owns Essex and Suffolk Water. It has also been active with PFI contracts in Scotland.

Its main non regulated business is Entec UK, the environmental and engineering consultancy. It also has an International Division.

On the positive side Northummbrian Water has plenty of water with the huge Kelder reservoir built for British Steel. However the business is suffering from the decline of major manufacturing in the NE and hence reduced water demand.

The companies in the group operate in three related areas: the supply of water and wastewater service within the UK; international water management; and a range of supporting technical and consultancy services. The main subsidiaries and divisions are;