Aluminium Bahrain to Acquire France’s Largest Smelter

A $2.2 billion acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque marks a significant expansion for Aluminium Bahrain, which has secured full ownership of the European Union’s largest smelter. The deal, finalized in Paris, signals a major shift in the continent's industrial landscape as the company moves to consolidate production capacity.

The transaction includes a strategic move by Bpifrance, the French state-backed investment bank, which will take a 6% stake in the facility for €100 million. This partnership grants Bpifrance a seat on the board of the holding company, ensuring a continued French presence in the operation. Alba is funding the full purchase price through a consortium of banking partners.

Located near Dunkirk, the smelter maintains an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 metric tons of aluminium. The agreement follows months of exclusive negotiations with American Industrial Partners, the U.S. investment fund that previously held the asset. The deal was formally unveiled during the Choose France Summit, underscoring the international significance of the transfer.