Slaughter and May is advising United Utilities on the formation of a new joint venture with Severn Trent.

The parties have each agreed to contribute to the joint venture their respective non-household water and wastewater retail businesses in preparation for the opening of the non-household retail market in England on 1 April 2017. Following the implementation of the reforms introduced by the Water Act 2014, all non-household customers in England will be able to choose their provider of retail water and sewerage services. The transaction is subject to clearance from the Competition and Markets Authority, and is expected to complete in Spring 2016.

Slaughter and May is supporting United Utilities’ internal legal team including General Counsel and Company Secretary Simon Gardiner and Head of Legal David Hannon.

Contacts:

Corporate: Richard Smith (partner); Jack Gray (associate); Heather Fleming (associate); Maria Dragun (trainee); Competition: Christopher Wright (Special Advisor); Naomi Burgoyne (associate); James Wright (associate); Financing: Guy O’Keefe (partner); Steve Dempsey (associate); James Costi; Tax: Gareth Miles (partner); Gregory Price (associate); Employment: Charles Cameron (partner); Chris Boyle (associate); IP/IT: Rob Sumroy (partner); Richard McDonnell (associate)