American Water Works Company, Inc. and Essential Utilities, Inc. announced that the waiting period under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Aug.14.
The expiration marks the satisfaction of a key condition required to close the pending merger between the two major utility providers.
In addition to clearing the federal antitrust review, the companies have secured approvals from several state regulatory bodies:
- Kentucky Public Service Commission (April 21, 2026)
- Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (May 13, 2026)
- Virginia State Corporation Commission (June 22, 2026)
Additionally, a settlement in principle has been achieved in Texas, and shareholders from both corporations overwhelmingly approved the transaction earlier this year.
The merger remains subject to remaining regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with leadership anticipating a final close by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
For further details regarding the transaction, visit the American Water Essential Utilities Merger portal.
