shareholders

Two Canadian pension plans risk reputation hit from investments in troubled Thames Water

Two Canadian pension plans risk reputation hit from investments in troubled Thames Water

A troubled water utility company in the United Kingdom that counts two of Canada’s biggest public pensions as large shareholders is facing regulatory scrutiny and fines for sewage leaks and could require a financial bailout. The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) own 31.8 per cent and and 8.7 per cent of Thames Water, respectively. Analysts at DBRS Morningstar said in a July 5 report that OMERS and BCI are expected to weather the storm with minimal financial damage given their size,  diversification and long-term performance — even if Thames Water were to collapse — but there is reputational risk for the Canadian pensions, which could affect future investment opportunities.