Ecobat to Divest German and Austrian Battery Operations to Clarios

Ecobat, a global leader in battery recycling, has signed a binding agreement to sell its recycling and specialty lead businesses in Germany and Austria to Clarios, a multinational company specializing in advanced energy storage. According to Ecobat’s official announcement on August 18, the deal covers facilities in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, along with operations in Arnoldstein, Austria.

Industry sources note that the transaction is part of Ecobat’s wider divestment strategy in Europe. The company has already announced the sale of its businesses in France, Italy, and its battery distribution unit. Upon completion of the German and Austrian sale, Ecobat intends to refocus on its core recycling activities and global lithium-ion battery business.

Tom Slabe, President and CEO of Ecobat, said in a statement that the deal would allow the company to “concentrate efforts on core recycling operations and the growing lithium-ion segment.” He emphasized that Clarios’ expertise and long-term strategy would help maintain strong partnerships with employees, customers, and suppliers in the region.

The agreement is expected to close by early 2026, pending regulatory approval. Rothschild & Co is serving as Ecobat’s financial advisor, while White & Case LLP is acting as legal counsel.

Clarios, the buyer, is a leading producer of low-voltage battery technologies and owns the automotive brand VARTA. According to its website, Clarios supplies one in every three vehicles on the road today and operates in more than 100 countries with a workforce of 18,000. The company highlights sustainability as a key priority, recycling approximately 8,000 batteries per hour across its network.

Analysts point out that the acquisition further strengthens Clarios’ European footprint at a time when the battery recycling industry is becoming increasingly vital for the transition to clean energy and resource security.

Source: Ecobat