The deadline for the proposed merger between Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and subsidiaries of Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden has been extended to the second quarter of 2025. Originally anticipated to be finalised in Q1 2025, the extension was disclosed in a statement to the Bahrain Bourse on 22 December 2024.

 

Alba-Ma’aden merger deadline extended to Q2 2025 amid efforts to form the world’s 7th largest aluminium producer

 

“This extension will provide both companies with additional time to conduct a thorough due diligence and further evaluation of the potential strategic and financial benefits of this potential business combination,” the posting said.

 

Present scenario

 

The non-binding agreement, signed in September and initially set to expire on 31 December 2024, has been extended to 30 April 2025. Alba’s Chief Executive, Ali Al Baqali, had previously expressed optimism for an earlier conclusion.

 

“With the growth from Alba and the growth from Ma’aden, we will be the largest smelter in the region. At the same time, it will add a lot of advantages for both companies,” Al Baqali said in November.

 

Under the draft terms, Ma’aden would transfer its subsidiaries, Ma’aden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Ma’aden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), to Alba in exchange for newly issued Alba shares. The merger, if completed, would position the combined entity as the seventh-largest aluminium manufacturer globally.

 

Alba, Bahrain’s largest publicly listed company, boasts a market valuation nearing BHD 2 billion ($5.3 billion). The company is majority-owned by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co (69.4 per cent) and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) (20.6 per cent). Earlier this month, Ma’aden’s shareholders approved a $1 billion agreement to acquire Sabic’s stake in Alba, further aligning the companies’ interests.-TradeArabia News Service