Clarios is set to acquire Ecobat’s remaining lead recycling operations in the US, just weeks after Ecobat exited its lithium recycling business to “fully focus” on North American recycling activities.

Clarios announced proposals on October 27 to acquire Ecobat’s three US critical mineral recovery and processing facilities, hinting at new investment in these sites and further potential expansion in the US.

The looming sell-off of Ecobat’s North American business was exclusively revealed by Batteries International in October 2025.

Now the sale to Clarios, financial details of which have not been disclosed, marks the final step in a portfolio transformation Ecobat started last year — under which the company has completed 10 divestitures spanning 17 sites across six countries in around 16 months, including the sale of its European operations.

Ecobat president and CEO Tom Slabe said the deal “completes the strategic initiative we announced with the earlier sale of our European operations and delivers a strong outcome for Ecobat’s stakeholders”.

The proposed acquisition will preserve and strengthen domestic critical mineral processing and recovery capacity at a time of growing demand for critical minerals and increasing focus on supply chain resilience, Clarios said.

By integrating these facilities into its industry-leading circular supply network, Clarios said it will enhance its ability to recover, process and return valuable materials into the US manufacturing base.

The proposed acquisition, conditionally expected to close by early calendar year 2027, includes Ecobat’s facilities in California, Indiana and Middletown, New York, as well as the Dallas office.

Together, these facilities currently process more than 40 million batteries annually, recovering lead, tin, antimony and other materials.

Clarios and Ecobat said they intend to work closely with employees, union representatives and regulators to focus on continuity of operations, environmental compliance, workforce stability and long-term investment in US critical mineral processing and recovery capacity.

Clarios CEO Mark Wallace said: “As a world leader in critical minerals processing and recovery, Clarios is uniquely positioned to strengthen this highly capable US recycling operation supported by an experienced workforce.

“We see a significant opportunity to build on Ecobat’s foundation by evaluating opportunities for future investment in these operations and supporting the continued success of the business.”