June 6, 2025: Ecobat has received a binding, undisclosed offer for its French battery recycling and speciality lead manufacturing operations from Belgium-based Campine.
The companies said on May 28 the move, which is subject to various regulatory and works councils’ approvals, would mark Ecobat’s exit from the French market — with the exception of its lithium ion battery collection business and its new lead acid battery distribution and sales.
In a separate announcement, UK private equity firm Endless said on June 2 it had acquired Ecobat Battery, which has a network of 23 distribution hubs in the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
Campine said its acquisition would comprise recycling facilities in Bazoches-les-Gallerandes, 100km south of Paris, and Pont Sainte Maxence, 50km north of the French capital.
These facilities would add about 70,000 tonnes of battery recycling capacity to Campine’s portfolio, resulting in 40,000 tonnes of lead-metal alloys.
A third factory, producing semi-finished lead products in Estrees St Denism is an integrated downstream operation making products including anodes for the zinc and copper industries.
The consolidated revenue of the facilities amounted to about €100 million ($114 million) in 2024 and generated a positive EBITDA.
Campine said it plans to invest in improvements at all sites.
CEO Wim De Vos said Ecobat France has free available smelting capacity, while Campine’s operations in the country have abundant material in over supply.
“With this transaction, we would also avoid the complex permitting process of expanding our smelting capacity in Belgium.”
Completion of the deal is expected in July at the earliest.
Batteries International reported last month that Campine had posted a record turnover of €365 million for last year — boosted by low lead battery scrap prices.
