Scottish water retailer to gain 140,000 new Yorkshire customers in double acquisition

Business Stream, Scotland’s largest non-domestic water supplier, is set to acquire the customer base of its competitors Yorkshire Water Business Services  (YWBS) and Three-Sixty.

The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, will see Business Stream manage water and waste water services for around 140,000 new customers in the Yorkshire region.

Business Stream will work with Three-Sixty and YWBS, both part of the Kelda Group, throughout an extended transition period when the acquisition will take effect this summer.

As part of the deal, a number of account managers will transfer to Business Stream in order to maintain existing relationships to the YWBS customers.

Formed in 2006, Business Stream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water and is headquartered in Edinburgh.

Jo Dow, chief executive of Business Stream, said: “The opening of the English retail water market in 2017 created huge opportunities for Business Stream. As we look ahead to the future we recognise that scale will be an important factor, enabling us to deliver a more competitive service for our customers across the UK.

“This acquisition will cement our position as one of the key players in the UK retail water market and help build a strong future for our staff and customers.”

Liz Barber, Yorkshire Water’s director of finance, regulation and markets, added: “Business Stream has a strong track record of delivering excellent customer service and are very experienced in the market.

“We are confident that they will continue to provide customers with the same high level of service they have had from Yorkshire Water Business Services. We are working closely with Business Stream to deliver a smooth transition process for our customers.”