EGA to Acquire Recycled Aluminium Producer, Leichtmetall 

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a global aluminium producer, has announced the signing of a binding agreement to acquire Leichtmetall Aluminium Giesserei Hannover (Leichtmetall), a German aluminium recycling company. 

Leichtmetall is a European specialty foundry known for its production of hard alloys and large diameter billets with a high proportion of secondary aluminium. Leichtmetall serves customers across Europe, particularly in Germany, Italy, and France. 

Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “This acquisition provides EGA a platform to develop a recycling business close to our customers in Europe, contributing to the emerging circular economy and building on our existing position as one of the biggest importers of primary aluminium on that continent. Leichtmetall will grow as part of EGA. The acquisition of Leichtmetall adds significant value to EGA and, alongside the recycling facility we are building in Abu Dhabi, is just the first step for EGA in capturing growth opportunities worldwide in low carbon primary and recycled aluminium, expanding our business and enabling us to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” 

Thomas Witte, Chief Executive Officer of Leichtmetall, said: “Becoming part of EGA, the largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer in the world, will unlock additional capital and resources for Leichtmetall to grow our business further, continue developing our technology, and strengthen our ability to partner with international customers in Europe and beyond. This transaction is great news for our existing customers and will help us secure new opportunities, while playing a key role in the growth of EGA’s wider recycling business.” 

EGA will acquire 100% of Leichtmetall from Leichtmetall Holding, a subsidiary of Quantum Capital Partners GmbH. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, pending regulatory approvals. 

With proprietary inductive melting technology and liquid metal treatment processes developed over four decades, Leichtmetall produces high-quality products from scrap metal for demanding applications. Its production mainly includes hard alloy billets up to 1,150 millimetres in diameter, used in manufacturing high-load bearing extruded profiles and large forged components. 

This acquisition marks EGA’s first major investment since its formation a decade ago through the merger of Dubai Aluminium and Emirates Aluminium. 

Using renewable energy at its Hannover plant, Leichtmetall produces up to 30 thousand tonnes per year of aluminium billets, with secondary aluminium constituting around 80% of the input material. 

Katherine Hahm (pictured) is General Counsel and Head of Ethics & Business Integrity of Emirates Global Aluminium and leads EGA’s legal and compliance departments. 

Global law firm White & Case teams from London and various German offices have advised Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) on the acquisition.