The transaction will include Ecobat’s facilities in Freiburg and Braubach, Germany, as well as its Arnoldstein operation in Austria.
The binding agreement is expected to close by early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Rothschild and Co and White and Case are respectively acting as financial and legal advisors to Ecobat on the transaction.
Ecobat focuses on North American and lithium-ion operations
Ecobat has also sold its European battery distribution to Endless, its battery and polypropylene recycling business in Italy to Haiki + S.p.A. and its French lead-acid battery recycling operations to Campine NV.
Tom Slabe, President and CEO of Ecobat, said: “We are pleased to announce the sale of our German and Austrian operations.
“Upon completion, this transaction – along with the previously announced divestitures of France, Italy, and Battery Distribution – will enable Ecobat to concentrate its efforts on core recycling operations, as well as our global lithium-ion battery business.
“Ecobat will continue to pursue additional opportunities to maximize value for shareholders beyond these transactions.”
Ecobat confirmed to letsrecycle.com that it will be focusing on its lead battery recycling operations in North America and its growing lithium-ion recycling business.
Slabe added: “Clarios’ expertise and strategic vision offer a strong foundation for the continued success of these operations in Germany and Austria.
“We’re confident they will continue to foster and enhance the valued relationships we have built with our employees, customers, and suppliers across Europe.”
Clarios expands recycling network
The facilities will expand Clarios’ lead and polypropylene recycling network, including the company’s first in-house poly compounding capability.
Werner Benade, President EMEA of Clarios, said: “This expansion marks a major milestone in our European operations.
“It will strengthen our European recycling infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience and support the delivery of high-quality secondary materials – including those used in our leading VARTA brand – to meet growing demand for advanced low-voltage batteries, support the energy transition in the automotive industry, and reinforce our leadership in the circular economy.”
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