Alba to Acquire France's Aluminium Dunkerque for $2.2 Billion

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), a Bahrain-based aluminium producer, has agreed to acquire France's Aluminium Dunkerque for approximately $2.2 billion, in one of the largest international industrial acquisitions undertaken by a Bahraini company.

Announced during the Choose France Summit in Paris, the transaction forms part of Alba's strategy to build a global low-carbon aluminium platform and expand its international footprint.

Located in northern France, Aluminium Dunkerque is the European Union's largest aluminium smelter, producing around 300,000 tonnes of aluminium annually for customers across Europe.

The acquisition will provide Alba with direct access to the European aluminium market and a manufacturing base in one of the continent's key industrial regions. The facility's industrial infrastructure and automation systems are also expected to strengthen the company's operational capabilities.

The transaction will be financed through a consortium of Alba's banking partners. Upon completion, Alba will acquire full ownership of Aluminium Dunkerque.

France's public investment bank, Bpifrance, is expected to invest €100 million for a 6% stake in the company and take a seat on its board, subject to regulatory approvals.

The deal comes as manufacturers across Europe seek secure supplies of lower-carbon industrial materials and reflects a broader trend of Gulf industrial companies pursuing international expansion to gain market access, increase scale and strengthen technological capabilities.