Ethos Partners, one of Europe’s most active lower mid-market investors, is pleased to announce its successful exit from Water Direct, the UK’s leading provider of alternative water supply solutions for utilities, businesses, and the public sector, to Eurazeo, a leading global private equity firm.
Headquartered in Colchester, Essex, Water Direct delivers a broad portfolio of essential services, including potable water tankering, bulk and bottled water logistics and supply, temporary water infrastructure, and Watertight, the company’s flagship resilience-as-a-service assurance solution.
Founded in 1996, Water Direct has grown to become the UK market leader in alternative water solutions, setting new standards for maintaining uninterrupted access to clean and safe water during planned works and emergency incidents. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and an expanding national network, the company provides reliable solutions that enhance resilience across utilities, industries, and communities nationwide.
Ethos Partners will reinvest alongside Eurazeo in the next phase of Water Direct’s growth. This investment will support the continued expansion of the company’s fleet and logistics network, as well as the further development of its digital capabilities. The partnership is designed to strengthen the resilience and reliability of water supply for customers across the UK, supporting both routine operations and emergency response.
Julian Carr, CEO of Ethos Partners, commented: “It has been a pleasure working with Adam and the Water Direct team, whose dedication and leadership have driven the business to where it is today. The company has delivered impressive performance and achieved significant growth during our investment period. We are delighted to be reinvesting as a minority investor alongside Eurazeo and the Water Direct management team as the business enters its next stage of growth.”
