Alba signs agreement with Bpifrance in Aluminium Dunkerque
Bpifrance will have a 6% shareholding in the proposed acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque after it signed an agreement with Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) for an €100 million investment.
Aluminium Bahrain has signed an agreement with Bpifrance to coinvest in its acquisition of Aluminium Dunkerque. The Middle East smelter signed an agreement with the investment bank expected to have a minority shareholding in Aluminium Dunkerque.
The acquisition of the French smelter has already received EU Antitrust approval and is now waiting for FDI approval from the French State and FSR approval at EU level, with closing expected later this year.
The entry of Bpifrance as a minority shareholder and member of the Board of Directors, aims to strengthen Aluminium Dunkerque’s presence in the region. A signing ceremony took place in Paris recently.
The MoU confirms Bpifrance’s €100 million equity investment in Aluminium Dunkerque, which represents a 6% shareholding. Bpifrance will appoint a representative to the Board of Directors of Aluminium Dunkerque’s holding company as part of the investment.
HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of Alba, said: “Alba is committed to working constructively with French authorities, employees and stakeholders to support long-term industrial value creation in the Dunkerque region, while building a more diversified and competitive international platform that strengthens our position across global markets.”
Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO at Bpifrance, said: “By joining forces, we are not only supporting the growth of a key player in the European aluminium sector but also ensuring that Aluminium Dunkerque remains a cornerstone of France’s industrial resilience and innovation.
“Together, we will work to strengthen the site’s industrial project, fostering sustainable development and competitiveness for years to come.”
Alba intends to pursue a long-term industrial strategy anchored in France and led locally, focused on operational stability, continued investment and sustainable innovation.
It said its combined footprint across Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region strengthens supply chain resilience and creates a more balanced, multi-region platform.
Based in Loon-Plage in the Dunkerque region, Aluminium Dunkerque produces 300,000 tonnes of aluminium per year.
With advanced automation, integrated production capabilities, and a robust foundation of skilled talent, Aluminium Dunkerque is well positioned to benefit from Europe’s growing demand for sustainably produced aluminium.
