Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter, has reached an agreement to acquire Aluminium Dunkerque, the largest primary aluminium smelter in the European Union, in a transaction valued at approximately USD 2.2 billion. The acquisition marks one of the most significant developments in the global aluminium industry this year and forms a central part of Alba’s strategy to establish a leading international low-carbon aluminium platform.

The transaction was announced jointly by Alba, American Industrial Partners (AIP), the current owner of Aluminium Dunkerque, and Bpifrance, the French public investment bank. Upon completion, Alba will acquire 100% ownership of the French smelter, with the deal fully financed through a consortium of Alba’s banking partners. In parallel, Bpifrance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alba to invest EUR 100 million into the transaction, securing a 6% stake in Aluminium Dunkerque and a seat on the company’s Board of Directors.

The MoU was signed in Paris during the Choose France Summit, a flagship event promoting international investment in France. The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Bahrain and France, including His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s 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.

Located in Loon-Plage, near Dunkerque in northern France, Aluminium Dunkerque is one of Europe’s most strategically important industrial assets. The smelter has an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnes of primary aluminium and serves a wide range of sectors including automotive, transportation, packaging, construction and renewable energy. Its advanced automation systems, integrated production capabilities and highly skilled workforce have helped position the facility as a leading supplier of low-carbon aluminium in Europe.

Alba Chairman Khalid Amro Al-Rumaihi described the acquisition as a defining moment for the company, highlighting its importance in strengthening Alba’s international presence and supporting long-term sustainable growth. The transaction is expected to enhance industrial resilience across both Bahrain and France while creating opportunities for closer economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

As European manufacturers increasingly seek responsibly produced and lower-carbon materials, the acquisition provides Alba with a strategic foothold in one of the world’s most important aluminium markets. The combination of Alba’s large-scale production expertise and Aluminium Dunkerque’s established position within Europe is expected to create a stronger, more diversified global aluminium producer capable of meeting growing demand for sustainable aluminium solutions.