France Reshapes Private Water Landscape

In February, French water sector bellwethers Suez Environment and Veolia published full 2015 results confirming a sustained decrease in the importance of French revenues in their respective water portfolios. Both firms have attributed the decline to an unfavorable tariff environment and contract renegotiations, despite an annual production volume increase of over one percent.

Debt Wave Crashes on Abengoa Water

On 25 November 2015, Seville-based Abengoa S.A., the parent company of Abengoa Water and Abiensa, filed for creditor protection in Madrid, a precursor to bankruptcy proceedings. Spanish industrial player Gonvarri Steel Services’ (Gestamp) offer to acquire 28% of the firm for Û350 million (US$377 million) fell through the prior week.

RWL Water Strategy Taking Shape with New Deals

On 18 November 2015, RWL Water announced a joint venture, RWL Water Mexico, with Química Apollo to pursue industrial water and wastewater treatment projects in Mexico. Mexico-based Química Apollo specializes in chemical treatment services in the oil and gas, power, and other industrial sectors.