Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has agreed a deal with Aluminium Dunkerque owner, American Industrial Partners, to acquire 100% of the company.
The French site based in Loon-Plage, Dunkerque produces 300,000 tonnes per year and is Europe's largest primary aluminium smelter.
Under AIP’s ownership Aluminium Dunkerque has transformed its operational reliability and energy efficiency, strengthened its financial performance, secured long-term electricity supply agreements with EDF and others, invested in productivity and modernisation, and reinforced its position as one of the lowest-carbon primary aluminum producers in Europe.
The proposed transaction would bring Alba and Aluminium Dunkerque together to form a geographically diversified industrial group with an operational footprint across regions, expanding both companies’ global customer base.
Alba intends to pursue a long-term industrial strategy anchored in France and led locally, focused on operational stability, continued investment and sustainable innovation.
In acquiring Aluminium Dunkerque, Alba commits to ensuring the continuity of its existing operations, preserving employment and critical industrial capabilities, reinforcing low-carbon production, and supporting France’s and Europe’s energy transition and industrial sovereignty objectives.
Alba further commits to maintaining Aluminium Dunkerque’s established standards of safety, reliability and operational excellence.
Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, said: “Our commitment is long-term. We will ensure operational continuity, support employees and expand low-carbon production capabilities to advance Aluminium Dunkerque’s next phase of development in full alignment with France’s industrial and energy priorities."
Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO & President of Aluminium Dunkerque, said: "This new chapter will provide us with many new opportunities, along with the financial and technical resources to continue investing, innovating and reinforcing Aluminium Dunkerque’s role in France and Europe.”
The consideration for the acquisition will be payable in cash, and the funding of the acquisition will be fully underwritten by a syndicate of relationship banks.
As part of this transaction, Alba is willing to offer a shareholding position to Bpifrance, with a view to further building up a strategic partnership, in support of the long-term, sustainable development of Aluminium Dunkerque. Discussions have been initiated with Bpifrance and will be pursued in the coming days.
