The Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (BHG) has submitted a notification to the Belgian competition authority regarding its acquisition of exclusive control over Vivaqua. This transaction involves a financial contribution from BHG to Vivaqua's capital and a contribution in kind from Hydria related to collector systems and buffer basins.

Vivaqua is a fully public cooperative owned by 19 municipalities in Brussels, 4 municipalities in Wallonia, and a Walloon intermunicipal entity. It has a long-standing role in managing the water cycle in the Brussels region, including the production and distribution of drinking water, as well as managing sewage and collector networks.

The parties involved believe that this transaction will strengthen Vivaqua's equity, ensure its financial stability, and optimize the management of hydraulic infrastructure in the region. They argue that the transaction does not raise concerns regarding market competition and have requested the application of a simplified procedure under the relevant competition law provisions.

The Belgian competition authority has invited interested third parties to submit their comments on the proposed concentration by October 5, 2026, to ensure transparency and public input in the process.