For eight months Suez has pushed back against advances from Veolia in public via press releases, poison pills, and the entertainment of other suitors. However, on the 12th of April, Veolia and Suez announced that they have reached an agreement for a merger putting an end to the disputed takeover. The deal, which closes 14 May 2021, gives Suez an equity value of about €13 billion (US$15.4 billion). The combined entity will have approximately €37 billion (US$44.5 billion) in revenues.

Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield’s global water team Keith Hays, Vice President, and France-based Project Consultant Chloé Meyer to talk about the details of the merger, cultural issues, divestments, geographic strategies, and what the impacts and opportunities for the water sector might be.

Reese shares his thoughts on the biggest water headlines.

1. Kimberly-Clark Corp. reaches settlement over its so-called “flushable” wipes.
2. Franklin Electric announces its acquisition of Puronics, Inc. a residential and commercial water treatment products and services provider.
3. Cease-and-desist order forcing Nestlé to stop pumping millions of gallons of water out of the San Bernardino.