CAMDEN, NJ & BRYN MAWR, PA — The Kentucky Public Service Commission has approved the proposed merger between American Water Works Company Inc. (NYSE: AWK) and Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), marking the first regulatory approval for the transaction.
The all-stock merger, announced October 27, 2025, would create a combined company serving more than 4.7 million water and wastewater customer connections and more than 740,000 gas customer connections.
The combined company will operate under the American Water name and be headquartered in Camden, New Jersey.
Shareholders of both companies approved the transaction at special meetings held in February 2026.
The merger remains subject to additional regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, including review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.
The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
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