Nashua officially took over Pennichuck Corp. and its water utilities on Wednesday; a plan 10 years in the making.

Last week, the city announced it had secured the funding necessary to complete the $200 million acquisition.

An agreement and plan of merger was reached, and Pennichuck and the city scheduled the closing for Jan. 25. All shareholders as of that date are entitled to receive the merger consideration of $29 for each share they own.

Shares held in “street name” will receive payment directly from the paying agent without any further action (unless the shareholder has properly demanded and perfected statutory dissenters’ rights under New Hampshire law). Shareholders whose shares are held in certificate or book form will be mailed a letter with instructions telling them how to surrender their stock certificates or book-entry shares in exchange for the merger consideration.

If you have lost a certificate, or if it has been stolen, mutilated or destroyed, you may still be entitled to receive the $29 merger consideration. However, you will have to comply with the replacement requirements established under the Merger Agreement, including the posting of a bond in an amount reasonably satisfactory to the surviving corporation to protect it against any claim that may be made against it with respect to that certificate.

Pennichuck Corp. is a holding company involved principally in the supply and distribution of potable water in New Hampshire through its three regulated water utilities. Its non-regulated, water-related activities include operations and maintenance contracts with municipalities and private entities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The company’s real estate operations are involved in the ownership, management and environmentally responsible commercialization of real estate in southern New Hampshire.

Pennichuck Corporation’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PNNW.” However, upon the completion of the merger with Nashua, Pennichuck’s common stock will cease to be publicly traded.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.pennichuck.com.