Completed sale
Hafren Water
A well-established environmental consultancy providing specialist water management services has been successfully sold, in a deal that supports the next stage of growth for both businesses operating in an increasingly important and highly regulated sector.
Founded in 1997, Shrewsbury-based Hafren Water advises industry, government and private clients on groundwater and surface water management issues across the UK. Its work spans flood risk, quarrying, landfill, planning and wider regulatory compliance — all critical areas as environmental pressures and regulation continue to intensify.
Owner Chris Leake decided the time was right to retire, while also seeking a buyer capable of building on the strong platform established, with a clear focus on securing the right fit for the business, its clients and its future direction.
The sale process, led by Associate Director Sara Thomasson and represented by Regional Commercial Director Simon Burns, generated strong interest and resulted in multiple offers. The successful acquirer was sourced through research support from sister company KBS Corporate, underlining the strength of being part of K3 Advisory Group and the wider reach this brings.
The business was ultimately acquired by Gareth Walters’ The Environmental Protection Group (EPG), a leading geoenvironmental engineering consultancy established in 1998 and based in Bingley, West Yorkshire.
The acquisition adds specialist hydrogeological and water management expertise to EPG’s broader environmental engineering offering, strengthening its capability in an area of growing importance for clients facing increasingly complex compliance, development and sustainability demands.
For Hafren Water, the deal places the business within a larger platform to support continued development. For EPG, it represents a complementary addition that supports further expansion while broadening the specialist services it can offer to the market.
Commenting on the acquisition, Gareth said:
“We are delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG group. The business brings a wealth of technical expertise and a strong reputation in water management, which complements our existing services and supports our continued growth.”
Chris added:
“I’m proud of what has been built over the past 25 years and confident that EPG is the right home for the business going forward. Their approach and ambition give me confidence that Hafren Water will continue to develop and support its clients for years to come.”
The Knightsbridge team wishes Chris all the best in his retirement and looks forward to seeing Hafren Water continue to develop as part of EPG’s growing group.