American Water & Essential Utilities to Merge in $63B ‘Mega-Deal’ – What Investors Need to Know
American Water Works and Essential Utilities boards approved an all-stock merger on Oct. 26, 2025, creating a $40 billion utility serving 4.7 million connections in 17 states. The combined company will keep the American Water name and be led by AWK’s John C. Griffith as CEO. Essential shareholders receive a 10% premium; AWK holders will own 69% of the new firm. No immediate rate hikes are planned. The deal is expected to close by Q1 2027.
