Competition watchdog clears Pennon’s acquisition of Bristol

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Pennon Group’s acquisition of Bristol Water.

The CMA has accepted the undertakings Pennon proposed, to offset concerns relating to Ofwat’s ability to make comparisons between water suppliers and therefore its ability to regulate the sector. Pennon will report separately on South West Water and Bristol Water, enabling Ofwat to maintain separate wholesale water price controls, with separate revenue controls and revenue limits.