Ecobat has agreed to sell its battery recycling and specialty lead operations in Germany and Austria to Clarios, a global energy storage company. The transaction includes Ecobat’s facilities in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, and Arnoldstein, Austria, and is expected to close by early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
“We are pleased to announce the sale of our German and Austrian operations,” said Tom Slabe, President and CEO of Ecobat. “Upon completion, this transaction – along with the previously announced divestitures of France, Italy, and Battery Distribution – will enable Ecobat to concentrate its efforts on core recycling operations, as well as our global lithium-ion battery business. Ecobat will continue to pursue additional opportunities to maximize value for shareholders beyond these transactions.”
Slabe also highlighted Clarios’ experience in the sector, saying the company provides a “strong foundation for the continued success of these operations” and is expected to maintain relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers across Europe.
The divestiture follows Ecobat’s recent sales of operations in France, Italy, and its battery distribution business, reflecting a strategy to streamline its portfolio. Ecobat, which operates across Europe and the United States, focuses on battery recycling, resource recovery, and energy storage, emphasizing sustainable material management.
Clarios, a global leader in low-voltage battery technologies, powers about one in three vehicles worldwide. The company employs roughly 18,000 people across 100 countries, recycles 8,000 batteries per hour, and ensures all products are recyclable.