United Utilities is selling off its metering, waste treatment and connections BPO business, according to reports.

On the back of a spate of recent outsourcing divestments, the UK’s largest listed water company is expecting bids of up to £500 million.

The company is reported to have hired investment bank JP Morgan Cazenove to oversee the auction as part of a wide-ranging asset disposal.

In the last week United has also sold minority stakes in Northern Gas Networks and the Manila Water Company raising approximately £130 million. The company also plans to sell its last non-regulated businesses in the UK, Australia and the Middle East, which could raise another £270 million.

Chris Gayner of the Shared Service Outsourcing Network (SSON), said: “This is not what we normally associate with core outsourcing services but the specialised custom BPO services provide potential suitors with a route into utilities and the opportunity to provide further services.”

“It would not surprise me if the services were combined with a broader outsourcing offering specialised for Utility Companies.”

United has not yet issued a statement on the report.