02/06/2026
📢 Bahrain’s Alba to Acquire France’s Aluminium Dunkerque in $2.2 Billion Landmark Deal
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has agreed to acquire Aluminium Dunkerque, the European Union’s largest aluminium smelter, in a transaction valued at approximately $2.2 billion, marking one of the largest international industrial acquisitions ever undertaken by a Bahraini company.
Located near Dunkirk, France, Aluminium Dunkerque produces around 300,000 tonnes of aluminium annually and serves strategic sectors including automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, and defense. The acquisition will give Alba full ownership of the smelter and significantly expand its footprint into the European market.
Strategic highlights
Transaction value: $2.2 billion
Acquisition of 100% of Aluminium Dunkerque
EU’s largest primary aluminium smelter
Annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnes
Strengthens Alba’s presence across Europe and the GCC region
Expanding a global aluminium platform
The deal aligns with Alba’s strategy to create a geographically diversified aluminium group with operations spanning the Gulf and Europe.
The combined platform is expected to:
Enhance supply chain resilience
Expand access to European customers
Support growth in low-carbon aluminium production
Capitalize on increasing demand from electrification and sustainable construction markets
♻️ Focus on low-carbon production
Aluminium Dunkerque is regarded as one of Europe’s lower-carbon primary aluminium producers, benefiting from modernization investments, automation upgrades, and long-term electricity supply arrangements. Alba has committed to maintaining operations, supporting employees, and continuing investments in sustainable production technologies.
🤝 French participation
As part of the transaction, French state-backed investment bank Bpifrance is expected to acquire a 6% stake in the operation for approximately €100 million ($116.5 million), reinforcing French participation in the facility’s long-term development.
The acquisition represents a major milestone for Alba’s international growth strategy, creating a powerful cross-regional aluminium producer with operations in both the Gulf and Europe while strengthening its position in the global market for low-carbon industrial materials.
Source: Reuters / Zawya
