Abu Dhabi-based Agthia Group PJSC has acquired a 100% stake in Riviere Mineral Water Desalination & Filling Factory LLC, a prominent player in the United Arab Emirates’ bottled water home and office delivery sector. This strategic move is anticipated to expand Agthia’s Water & Food segment revenues by approximately 6.5% and triple its household customer base.
Established in 2003, Riviere serves customers across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and Sharjah, primarily in the mainstream segment. The company operates three bottling facilities located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and maintains a fleet of over 160 delivery trucks. With a workforce exceeding 780 employees spanning production, logistics, and customer service, Riviere has cultivated a reputation for quality service and customer loyalty.
Agthia’s decision to retain the Riviere brand underscores the value placed on its established market presence. The integration of Riviere is expected to be immediately accretive to Agthia’s earnings, delivering both short and long-term value through cost synergies, streamlined operations, and shared capabilities. Additionally, the acquisition enhances manufacturing and distribution efficiency while supporting footprint expansion.
This acquisition aligns with Agthia’s ‘Strategy 2025’ initiative, which focuses on upscaling in priority markets, expanding into value-added categories, and improving margins. The strategy also targets achieving annual revenues of AED 6 billion by 2025. The addition of Riviere represents a significant step toward realizing these objectives by bolstering Agthia’s position in the water and food segment.
Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, commented on the acquisition, stating that following strong growth in the water category in FY 2024, the acquisition of Riviere further strengthens Agthia’s leadership in the UAE’s water sector, expanding its footprint and accelerating growth in the Home and Office Services business. He emphasized that entering the mainstream segment allows Agthia to serve a broader customer base while driving operational efficiencies across its network.
Ali Moideen Kankayel, co-owner of Riviere, expressed confidence in the transition, highlighting Riviere’s two-decade-long reputation in the UAE’s home water services sector, driven by a commitment to quality, service excellence, and customer trust. He conveyed assurance that Agthia is the right partner to uphold this legacy and drive future growth.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Financial details have not been disclosed. Upon completion, Agthia plans to integrate Riviere’s operations, leveraging its market recognition to enhance the group’s bottled water offerings. This approach reflects Agthia’s commitment to preserving the value of acquired brands while integrating them into its broader operational framework.
