WTRG · Essential Utilities, Inc.

The joint press release issued by Essential Utilities, Inc. and American Water Works Company, Inc. confirms a significant milestone in the proposed merger between the two utilities. The approval from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) represents the first regulatory clearance obtained in the path toward completing the combination. This development follows the overwhelming approval of the transaction by shareholders of both companies at their respective special meetings held in February 2026. The transaction, originally announced on October 27, 2025, is structured as an all-stock deal. Upon closing, the combined company will operate under the American Water name and be headquartered in Camden, New Jersey. It is expected to serve a substantial customer base, comprising more than 4.7 million water and wastewater customer connections and more than 740,000 gas customer connections. While the Kentucky PSC approval is a positive step, the merger remains subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and additional required regulatory approvals from applicable public utility commissions. The companies currently anticipate the merger to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027.