Dallas-based battery recycler exits UK market as part of strategic repositioning towards North American and lithium-ion operations
Ecobat has completed the sale of its battery recycling and specialty lead operations in the United Kingdom to funds advised by Splitstone Capital LLP, marking the company's fourth divestiture since May as it reshapes its global footprint.
The transaction, for which financial terms were not disclosed, encompasses Ecobat's facilities in Matlock and Welwyn Garden City. Rothschild & Co. acted as financial adviser and White & Case as legal adviser to Ecobat on the deal.
The sale represents a significant milestone in Ecobat's strategic realignment, according to Tom Slabe, president and CEO of the Dallas-based company.
"With this closing, we've executed on our strategic plan to reposition the business," Slabe explained. "Our exit from the UK, together with previously announced divestitures in France, Italy, Germany and Austria, allow Ecobat to sharpen its focus on North America and our lithium-ion battery recycling operations."
Slabe added that Ecobat would continue to pursue additional opportunities to maximise shareholder value beyond these transactions.
The UK sale follows a succession of European disposals that began in May, when Ecobat sold its battery recycling and specialty lead manufacturing operations in Estrée-Saint-Denis, Bazoches and Pont-Sainte-Maxence, France, to Belgium-based Campine NV.
In July, the company completed the sale of its battery and polypropylene plastic recycling business in Italy to Haiki + S.p.A. of Milan. That transaction included three facilities in Marcianise, Paderno Dugnano and Bologna.
Most recently, in August, Ecobat agreed to sell its battery recycling and specialty lead operations in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, as well as its Arnoldstein operation in Austria to Wisconsin-based battery manufacturer Clarios.
Whilst divesting traditional lead-acid battery recycling assets across Europe, Ecobat has simultaneously expanded its lithium-ion battery recycling capacity both in the United States and internationally.
Between late 2023 and November 2024, the company opened three battery recycling facilities in Hettstedt, Germany; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Darlaston, England. Combined, these facilities are capable of processing up to 10,000 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries per year, with plans to scale capacity to 25,000 tonnes.
The strategic pivot reflects the growing importance of lithium-ion battery recycling as electric vehicle adoption accelerates globally, whilst traditional lead-acid battery recycling markets face mounting competitive pressures and regulatory challenges in Europe.
Tagged with: Ecobat UK sale, Splitstone Capital, Matlock recycling, British Lead, HJ Enthoven, lithium-ion recycling, black mass, Digital Waste Tracking, DEFRA guidance, end-of-life batteries, EV battery recycling, UK waste compliance
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