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AIP Picks Bahrain’s Alba for Exclusive Talks to Buy Aluminium Dunkerque

French authorities signal a rigorous foreign-investment review centered on job protections alongside decarbonisation commitments.

Overview

  • American Industrial Partners and Aluminium Bahrain announced exclusive negotiations for the sale, with Alba named by AIP as the preferred buyer.
  • The purchase price remains undisclosed, and the deal is subject to French and EU authorizations with no formal filing yet submitted.
  • France’s economy ministry said it will apply strict foreign-investment controls and will watch for long-term compliance with any commitments.
  • Alba pledged no impact on site employment or local management and expressed openness to Bpifrance joining the capital, with initial talks underway.
  • Decarbonisation is a core condition supported by €360 million in state funding; the plant produces about 300,000 tonnes a year with roughly 750 employees, while Alba makes about 1.6 million tonnes and is majority-owned by a Bahraini sovereign fund.