U.S. Filter’s goal to own the world’s water came one step closer to reality when French-based Vivendi SA announced March 22 it is acquiring U.S. Filter for $6.2 billion.
After the deal is completed, Vivendi will be the world’s largest water company — with an estimated $12 billion in annual sales in the water business. Once approved, the transaction would nearly double the revenues of Vivendi’s water treatment business through its Paris-based Generale des Eaux subsidiary, where U.S. Filter will be merged.