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The city of Missoula won its eminent domain case to buy Mountain Water Co. in a 5-2 decision Tuesday from the Montana Supreme Court.

In the majority’s opinion, Justice Patricia Cotter said the state high court gave the record an “exhaustive review” and found the lower court’s “detailed factual findings” supported public ownership.

The justices said Missoula County District Court correctly concluded the evidence showed ownership of the water system by the city was "more necessary" than its use by a for-profit enterprise.

Mayor John Engen took on one of the largest equity firms in the world when he took The Carlyle Group to court with support from the Missoula City Council. Tuesday, he said he wanted to let people know he appreciated their patience throughout the case.

“I know that it has felt risky and expensive and long, but I’ve been convinced from Day One that it was my responsibility to work with the community to figure this out and that the courts would help us get there,” Engen said. “We have placed our trust in the system, and my sense is that the system has worked.