Manama: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest single-site aluminium smelter, has agreed to acquire Aluminium Dunkerque, the largest aluminium smelter in the European Union, in a transaction valued at approximately USD 2.2 billion, marking a pivotal step in Alba's strategy to build a global low-carbon aluminium platform.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the deal was announced jointly with American Industrial Partners, the current owners of Aluminium Dunkerque, and Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, which will acquire a minority stake in the company alongside Alba. The Memorandum of Understanding with Bpifrance was signed in Paris during the Choose France Summit, in the presence of Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of Mumtalakat Holding Company, and Nicolas Forissier, France's Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness. The parties to the signing ceremony were represented by Khalid Amro Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba's Board of Directors; Dino Cusumano, Managing Partner at American Industrial Partners; and Jos© Gonzalo, Executive Director of Capital Development at Bpifrance.
Upon closing of the transaction, Alba will acquire 100% of Aluminium Dunkerque, with the deal to be fully financed by a consortium of Alba's banking partners. The MoU between Alba and Bpifrance provides for a capital investment of EUR 100 million by Bpifrance in the transaction, representing a 6% ownership stake in Aluminium Dunkerque, subject to customary approvals. Bpifrance will also hold a seat on the Board of Directors of Aluminium Dunkerque's holding company.
The entry of Bpifrance as a key minority shareholder and board member aims to strengthen Aluminium Dunkerque's presence in the region and highlights the strategic significance of the company within the French aluminium sector. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stated that this transaction reflects the strong and enduring economic ties between Bahrain and France, reinforcing Bahrain's position as a competitive industrial hub with qualified local talent and advanced capabilities.
Khalid Amro Al Rumaihi emphasized the significance of Aluminium Dunkerque as one of France's strategic industrial assets. He noted that the acquisition represents a strategic step towards building a more diversified and competitive international industrial platform, strengthening Alba's presence in global markets and supporting its capacity to achieve sustainable growth. He further highlighted the opportunities this partnership creates to enhance industrial resilience in both Bahrain and France.
Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO at Bpifrance, expressed commitment to securing the long-term future of Aluminium Dunkerque, stating that the investment supports the growth of a key player in the European aluminium sector and ensures the site's role in France's industrial resilience and innovation. Dino Cusumano, General Partner at AIP, expressed confidence in Alba as the right long-term owner for Aluminium Dunkerque, supporting the company's continued development and strategic role in Europe.
Located in Loon-Plage in the Dunkerque region, the smelter produces approximately 300,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, with advanced automation, integrated production capabilities, and a skilled workforce, positioning Aluminium Dunkerque to capitalize on growing European demand for sustainably produced aluminium.