(Adds background in paragraphs 2, 3) Oct 27 (Reuters) – American Water Works on Monday agreed to buy Essential Utilities in an all-stock deal to create a combined company worth $63 billion, including debt, strengthening its position as the top regulated water utility in the country. The combined company will serve 4.7 million connections across 17 states, with American Water entering Texas, North Carolina and Ohio and bolstering its presence in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois. The deal also expands its service capacity by adding 227 water and wastewater treatment plants from Essential to its existing network of 790 facilities. Under the agreement, Essential shareholders will get 0.305 shares of American Water for each stock they own, representing a per-share offer of $43.18 and a nea

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