Ecobat to Transfer German and Austrian Operations to Clarios: A Strategic Move for Sustainability

Ecobat Transfers Its German and Austrian Operations to Clarios

In a significant strategic move, Ecobat, a global leader in battery recycling, has announced a binding agreement to sell its operations in Germany and Austria to Clarios, a leading provider of advanced energy storage solutions. This acquisition will allow Ecobat to focus more on its core recycling business and enhance its global lithium-ion battery initiatives.

The deal encompasses Ecobat's facilities located in Freiberg and Braubach in Germany, along with an additional plant in Arnoldstein, Austria. Tom Slabe, President and CEO of Ecobat, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the deal, stating, "We are pleased to announce the sale of our operations in Germany and Austria. This transaction, alongside our previously announced divestitures in France and Italy, will enable us to channel our resources more effectively towards our core recycling operations."

Underlining the transaction’s positive impact, Slabe mentioned, "With this move, we believe Ecobat will optimize shareholder value and continue to explore further opportunities that align with our vision for a more sustainable future." He also noted that Clarios' expertise and strategic vision provide a robust foundation for the continued success of these operations within Germany and Austria. Slabe is confident that they will foster and enhance the valuable relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers throughout Europe.

The agreement follows a series of strategic decisions made by Ecobat, as part of its overall strategy to concentrate on essential areas of battery lifecycle management and innovative recycling processes. The finalization of the transaction is expected in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Notably, Rothschild & Co is advising Ecobat on financial aspects, while legal counsel is being provided by White & Case.

Ecobat’s Future Directions

Ecobat is currently recognized as the largest battery recycler worldwide, with a dedicated commitment to developing sustainable solutions in battery recycling, resource recovery, and energy storage management. This strategic divesture will ensure that the company continues to lead in offering innovative solutions while upholding its responsibilities regarding the management of valuable materials.

About Clarios

Clarios is a global leader in advanced low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. The company is well-known for its VARTA brand in the automotive sector. Clarios powers nearly every type of vehicle on the road today, servicing a significant portion of the automotive supply chain. With approximately 18,000 employees across over 100 countries, Clarios emphasizes reliability and sustainability by ensuring that all products sold are recyclable. The company showcases its commitment to environmental stewardship through its practice of recycling around 8,000 batteries per hour within its network.

With this transition, both Ecobat and Clarios are poised to contribute significantly to sustainable practices in battery recycling and energy management, paving the way for future innovations in the sector.

For media inquiries related to this announcement, press representatives can reach out to Chelsey Berend at Ecobat.

In summary, this strategic agreement marks a pivotal moment for both Ecobat and Clarios, setting a clearer path toward enhanced sustainability and operational focus in the evolving landscape of battery recycling and energy solutions.