The CEO of the Veolia group, Estelle Brachlianoff, shared her satisfaction with the proposal during a meeting in London. The executive emphasized that her company's offer adapts to the specific needs of each of the eight municipalities included in the new contract.
“"We are very happy with the offer we have made, it is very good. Now, may the best one win."
This macro-contract, valued at 1.078 billion euros (including extensions), seeks a manager for water treatment and service for 25 years, with an option for almost four additional years. The tender, which has attracted six companies, involves managing the drinking water supply for 230,000 inhabitants across eight localities.
The winning bidder will be required to invest approximately 170 million euros in modernizing infrastructure and improving network efficiency. The municipalities grouped in this lot are Cervelló, Corbera de Llobregat, La Palma de Cervelló, Molins de Rei, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Ripollet, and Tiana. Although all localities will be under the same concessionaire, each will maintain its own tariff and an individualized investment plan.
Regarding the alliance with Criteria Caixa, La Caixa's investment holding company, Brachlianoff described it as a "long-term" collaboration. Criteria currently holds 5% of Veolia's capital and 15% of Aigües de Barcelona, which is also part of the Veolia group. The executive did not rule out a potential increase in the Catalan group's stake in Veolia in the future, following a meeting with Criteria's new CEO, José María Méndez.
