On 5 November 2024, Ecolab, a global water treatment and hygiene solutions provider, acquired Newton, Massachusetts-based Barclay Water Management. Barclay was founded in 1932 and represents Ecolab’s seventh water-related deal since 2015. In 2023, Barclay reported annual revenues of approximately US$50 million.
Barclay’s primary offerings include industrial water treatment products, water hygiene services, and the iChlor® Monochloramine System, which addresses legionella disinfection for cooling systems. Key end-customer segments include data centers, academia, commercial & institutional, and healthcare facilities.
Minnesota-based Ecolab provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services through four primary product categories: Global Industrial (which houses its water business), Global Institutional & Specialty, Global Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Global Pest Elimination. In 2023, the company reported US$15.3 billion in revenues, with the Global Industrial business unit generating US$7.2 billion.
The acquisition of Barclay further points to the anticipated growth in high-tech sectors and the associated demand for advanced water management solutions (e.g., reuse, water treatment).
In this Research Note:
- Barclay acquisition bolsters Ecolab’s commercial & institutional portfolio
- Competition for data center business heightens for water solutions firms
- Ecolab’s ‘razor blade’ approach underscores growth
