Qatari Diar, Barwa and QInvest have together bought 2.98 per cent of the company’s shares.

The companies say they expected to increase their interest in the water and wastewater firm in the future, and will seek a seat on its board.

The news follows the signing of a joint venture agreement between Qatari Diar, Suez Environnement and another French company, GDF Suez, to set up a new multi-utility company on 15 October (MEED 15:10:08).