NMDC Group enters European market with a majority stake in Lantania Aguas

NMDC Infra, a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based NMDC Group, is acquiring 51 per cent stake in Spain’s Lantania Aguas. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

A subsidiary of Grupo Lantania, Lantania Aguas specialises in desalination, water treatment, and purification projects.

Lantania Aguas will operate under the new name ‘Lantania NMDC Water’, and will retain its current management team post completion of the acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Lantania Aguas operates across all stages of the water cycle, from abstraction, purification and distribution to wastewater treatment and return to the natural environment. It provides solutions tailored to all types of processes, delivering turnkey (EPC) and BOT projects, with full capabilities in the design, construction, and operation of facilities.

According to the latest Global Water Intelligence (GWI) ranking, Lantania Aguas ranks fourth worldwide among EPC desalination contractors by awarded capacity for 2024-2025. Its portfolio includes major desalination plants such as Jubail (600,000 m³/day) and Ras Mohaisen (300,000 m³/day) in Saudi Arabia, among others, resulting to a backlog of EUR450 million ($523.5 million).

Creating a global water leader

Lantania NMDC Water will combine NMDC’s commercial and technical capabilities with Lantania’s experience, credentials, and expertise in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse, as well as in large-scale industrial projects, to create a leading global operator in water infrastructure.

The rebranded company will comprise over 300 professionals, and a current project backlog totaling more than AED2 billion ($540 million) spread across several countries, a solid foundation that supports its growth outlook. A joint management structure will enable the company to strengthen its technological, financial, and operational capacity, boosting its presence in strategic global markets.

Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO, NMDC Group, commented: “This acquisition marks NMDC Group’s first entry to the European market as we are set to export UAE-grown capabilities and scale to complement Lantania’s proven expertise.

“It aligns with our strategy of expanding and diversifying NMDC Infra’s portfolio offering across many of the world’s most dynamic industries and markets. NMDC Group has long recognised the global challenges posed to water, and through Lantania NMDC Water, we affirm our commitment to harness innovation and advanced solutions to a more sustainable future.”

Federico Ávila, Chairman and CEO of the Lantania Group, added: “This alliance marks a milestone in the history of our company and a turning point for Lantania Aguas. NMDC Group’s technical and commercial strength, combined with Lantania’s engineering capabilities and experience in this market, will enable us to jointly undertake major projects and establish a global benchmark in sustainable water solutions. We share the same vision, focused on promoting innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainability in each of our projects.”