MALAYSIAN group YTL Power International has taken over Wessex Water at a cost of £1.2bn.

The deal ends months of uncertainty for Wessex Water after its parent company Azurix announced it was exploring the sale of the company.

Wessex Water chairman Colin Skellett, said it was very much business as usual.

He said: "We are delighted to welcome YTL with its long term commitment to Wessex Water.

"This deal will bring stability and certainty to Wessex Water.

"We can now focus on continuing to deliver first class water and sewerage services."