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Mubadala Investment Company and Glenwood Private Equity (Glenwood PE), along with other co‑investors, have completed a co‑investment deal in NanoH2O, signalling confidence in the desalination firm’s global growth prospects and technological edge.
The deal — finalised after all closing conditions and regulatory approvals — sees NanoH2O, formerly the water‑treatment division of LG Chem, spun off earlier this year, continue operations as an independent company headquartered in Seoul.
The company specialises in reverse‑osmosis membranes used for desalination and brackish water treatment, regarded globally as a highly energy efficient method for large‑scale water purification compared with conventional thermal processes.
NanoH2O generates more than 95 per cent of its revenue from outside South Korea, serving municipal and industrial customers worldwide, a factor highlighted by investors as evidence of its broad international reach amid growing global demand for clean water.
At the closing, Glenwood PE CEO Sangho Lee described the investment as a move in line with Glenwood’s track record of backing quality businesses spun out from larger conglomerates.
He said the firm remains committed to supporting NanoH2O as it scales up global operations and advances sustainable water‑treatment solutions.
Investment aligns with Mubadala’s broader aims
From Mubadala’s side, Asia head Mohamed Albadr noted the company’s long‑term trust in NanoH2O’s technology leadership and growth potential. He said the investment aligns with Mubadala’s broader aim of backing companies that offer solutions to global challenges, reinforcing its commitment to South Korea and the wider Asian market.
Adding a regional perspective, Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, head of Energy and Sustainability at Mubadala, underscored the growing intersection between water security and decarbonisation, saying reverse‑osmosis membranes like those produced by NanoH2O are crucial in delivering water at scale with lower energy intensity.
He added that the investment would help meet rising regional demand — especially in the MENA region — and contribute to long‑term sustainable value creation.
