BCLP Advises Leading Manufacturer Mueller on its Acquisition of i20 Water

The international law firm BCLP recently advised Mueller Water Products Inc. in the acquisition of i2O Water Ltd., a provider of pressure management solutions, for approximately $20 million in cash. This acquisition expands and accelerates Mueller’s pressure management solutions and analytics portfolio.

Mueller Water Products is a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water in North America. The company’s product and service portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe connection and repair products, metering products, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. Mueller helps municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service and prioritize capital spending.

i2O Water delivers intelligent water networks to more than 100 water companies in over 45 countries around the world to reduce water loss by providing solutions that enable clients to instrument, analyze and control water networks to reduce leakage, lower energy consumption and improve supply. Founded in 2005, i2O Water is headquartered in Southampton, UK, with operations in Malaysia and Colombia. i2O Water provides a range of market-leading intelligent water network solutions including advanced pressure management, network analytics, event management, data logging and the iNet software suite.

The acquisition of i2O Water enhances Mueller’s ability to accelerate its software offerings. i2O’s intelligent network solutions are complementary to both Sentryx™, Mueller’s digital services platform, and existing Mueller technology-enabled products used for metering, leak detection, pipe condition assessment and water quality. Additionally, Mueller plans to introduce i2O’s products and solutions in North America, where i2O currently has no presence.

“Our digital transformation strategy is focused on enabling water utilities to effectively monitor and manage their infrastructure networks,” said Scott Hall, president and CEO of Mueller Water Products. “i2O’s pressure management solutions, analytics and deep technology expertise will help expand our ability to provide products and solutions that support the resiliency and sustainability needs of our customers.”

A multidisciplinary BCLP team advised Mueller on all elements of the transaction, including: Partner Jonathan Morris, Senior Associate Daniel Bell and Associate Andreas Demetriou (corporate transactions); Partner Richard Harbot and Associate Michael Langan (tax); Partner Richard Shaw (technology & commercial); Senior Associate Ash von Schwan and Associate Sasha Rubinstein (intellectual property); Partner Adam Lambert and Associate Peter Summerfield (employment); Partner David Dennison (pensions and employee benefits); Partner Geraldine Scali (data protection); Partner Barry Gross (real estate); and Associate Director Isabelle Laborde (environmental).

“We are delighted to have advised Mueller on their first UK acquisition,” Morris commented. “The deal will accelerate Mueller’s technology offering, enhancing its digital services platform and improving existing products.”