Clairfield Advises Uniwater on UK Market Entry Through the Acquisition of WCI Group

Clairfield has advised Uniwater on its entry into the UK water and wastewater market through the acquisition of WCI Group Ltd, a specialist water and wastewater infrastructure engineering business headquartered in Somerset, England.

The transaction marks Uniwater’s first acquisition in the UK and represents a significant milestone in the group’s international growth strategy, establishing a platform in the UK utility market and further strengthening its position as a leading European water infrastructure specialist.

Founded in 1983, WCI Group is a long-established engineering business specialising in water and wastewater infrastructure. Headquartered in Somerset, the company supports commercial and utility clients across England and Wales, delivering a broad range of services including design and advisory, turnkey construction, ongoing maintenance, and natural capital solutions.

WCI Group has built a strong reputation over more than four decades, combining deep practical, on-site expertise with technical know-how and long-standing customer relationships. The business will continue to operate under its own name and management, with a focus on continued growth, competence development, and delivering high-quality water and wastewater infrastructure solutions.

Uniwater is a leading European group of water and wastewater infrastructure specialists, comprising specialist companies that provide solutions across the water cycle. The group has approximately 650 employees, sales of SEK 2.4 billion, and a portfolio of 25 small and medium-sized companies across Northern Europe.

Johan Wallén, Head of M&A at Uniwater, commented: “The support of Clairfield has been a key part of our success as we expand our buy-and-build journey into the UK. Clairfield’s support has enabled Uniwater to accelerate our ambitious acquisition strategy and enter the UK market.”

Peter Waplington, Director at Clairfield, commented: “We are delighted to have supported Uniwater on its entry into the UK water and wastewater services market. WCI Group is a highly regarded business with deep sector expertise, strong customer relationships and a long track record of delivering specialist water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The transaction represents a compelling strategic fit for Uniwater, providing a strong platform for continued national growth as the group builds scale and capabilities in the UK.”

The Clairfield team acted as exclusive financial adviser to Uniwater and comprised Tom McCarthy, Peter Waplington, James Portman and Harps Dhami.

Specialist water and wastewater business owners who are considering their long-term strategic options and would like to learn more about Uniwater should contact pwaplington@clairfield.com.