Blairgowrie-based independent water retailer Castle Water said it acquired Ayr-based Cobalt Water, an independent retailer of water to business customers, for an undisclosed sum.

Cobalt’s management and staff will transfer to Castle Water.

Cobalt Water will continue to operate as part of Castle Water, focusing on customers in Scotland. Scott Macleod will become managing director – Scotland and Hugh Brown will become sales director – Scotland, both reporting to Castle Water’s CEO John Reynolds.

Reynolds said: “We recognised the professionalism and capability of Cobalt, and when we reviewed options to increase the size of our Scottish business, Cobalt stood out as the best fit with our customer-focused approach.

“We welcome the customers and employees of Cobalt Water to Castle Water.

“Cobalt customers will continue to be served by the same team, and will now also benefit from the broader resource available from Castle Water throughout England as well as Scotland.”

Cobalt Water managing director Andrew Robertson said: “Cobalt Water has grown successfully for the past four years based on providing excellent value and customer service.

“We believe that, following the opening of the English market, customers will benefit from being part of a larger group, which also has the independence necessary to provide the best value.”