NMDC Group has entered the European market for the first time after its infrastructure arm agreed to acquire a controlling 51% stake in Spain’s Lantania Aguas. Moreover, the move marks a strategic expansion beyond marine and energy infrastructure into desalination and water treatment.
The transaction brings water and wastewater engineering, procurement, and construction into NMDC Infra’s core offering. As a result, the group strengthens its exposure to sustainable infrastructure and essential utility services amid rising global demand.
Water and wastewater capabilities added
Upon completion, Lantania Aguas will be rebranded as Lantania NMDC Water and will continue to operate under its existing management. Additionally, the company employs more than 300 professionals and holds an active backlog exceeding Dh2 billion across several international markets.
The partnership combines NMDC’s commercial scale and execution capability with Lantania’s expertise in desalination and water purification. Therefore, the platform is expected to accelerate growth across the Middle East, North Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with a focus on large-scale water reuse, wastewater treatment, and industrial desalination projects.
Strategic positioning in global water investment
The acquisition comes as governments and utilities worldwide increase spending on water infrastructure. However, mounting pressure on freshwater resources and climate resilience has shifted advanced water treatment from optional to essential, particularly in arid and high-growth regions.
By entering this segment, NMDC positions itself within one of the fastest-growing areas of global infrastructure investment. Consequently, the group aligns its expansion strategy with long-term sustainability and utility demand trends.
Leadership view and next steps
“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,” Eng. Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO, NMDC Group, said. “It also aligns with our strategy of expanding and diversifying NMDC Infra’s portfolio offering across many of the world’s most dynamic industries and markets.”
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals. Once completed, NMDC Infra will therefore operate a fully integrated water platform with active projects across multiple regions.
