Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest single-site aluminum smelter, has agreed to acquire France-based Aluminium Dunkerque, the European Union’s largest aluminum smelter, in a transaction valued at approximately $2.2 billion.
The deal was announced jointly by Alba, current owner American Industrial Partners (AIP), and Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, which will acquire a minority stake in Aluminium Dunkerque alongside Alba. The acquisition marks a major milestone in Alba’s strategy to expand its international footprint and build a global low-carbon aluminum platform.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Alba and Bpifrance was signed in Paris on the sidelines of the Choose France Summit in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy and Mumtalakat Chairman Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Nicolas Forissier.
The agreement was signed by Khalid Amro Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba’s Board of Directors; Dino Cusumano, Managing Partner at American Industrial Partners; and José Gonzalo, Executive Director of Capital Development at Bpifrance.
Upon completion of the transaction, Alba will acquire 100 percent of Aluminium Dunkerque. The acquisition will be fully financed through a consortium of Alba’s banking partners. Under the MoU, Bpifrance will invest $116 million (€100 million) in the transaction, securing a 6 percent stake in Aluminium Dunkerque, subject to regulatory approvals. Bpifrance will also hold a seat on the holding company’s Board of Directors.
The participation of Bpifrance is expected to strengthen Aluminium Dunkerque’s regional presence and reflects the strategic importance of the smelter to France’s aluminum industry.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the transaction reflects the strong economic ties between Bahrain and France and underscores international confidence in Bahrain as an investment destination. He added that the deal reinforces Bahrain’s position as a competitive industrial hub with the talent and capabilities to pursue global growth opportunities.
Image credits: BNA | Cropped by GBN
Khalid Amro Al Rumaihi described Aluminium Dunkerque as one of France’s strategic industrial assets and called the acquisition a defining moment for Alba. He said the deal supports Alba’s long-term growth strategy, strengthens its global market presence, and advances efforts to build a diversified and competitive international industrial platform. He also highlighted the potential to enhance industrial resilience and deepen economic cooperation between Bahrain and France.
Bpifrance Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Dufourcq commented that the investment demonstrates the bank’s commitment to securing the long-term future of a strategic industrial site. He said the partnership with Alba will support Aluminium Dunkerque’s growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development while reinforcing France’s industrial resilience.
Image credits: BNA | Cropped by GBN
Dino Cusumano, General Partner at AIP, said that the ownership transition process had progressed smoothly over the past four months. He expressed confidence that Alba would be a strong long-term owner capable of supporting Aluminium Dunkerque’s continued development and strategic role in Europe. He added that the company’s performance under AIP ownership reflects France’s attractiveness for long-term industrial investment, supported by a strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and decarbonization efforts.
Located in Loon-Plage near Dunkerque, Aluminium Dunkerque produces approximately 300,000 tons of aluminum annually. The smelter’s advanced automation, integrated production capabilities, and skilled workforce position it to benefit from growing European demand for sustainably produced aluminum.
