Energy Fuels has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co. KG, Ara VAC TopCo US and their respective subsidiaries (together, VAC) from Ara Partners for a total cash-and-stock consideration of $1.9 billion. The deal creates a fully integrated platform to strengthen global critical rare earth element (REE) supply chains.
VAC is an advanced magnetics company with over 100 years of production expertise and operates magnet production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, including a facility in Sumter, S.C., with capacity to produce 2,000 tonnes per annum of permanent magnets, scalable to 12,000 tpa.
“This is a transformational moment for Energy Fuels and the global rare earth supply chain,” said Ross Bhappu, president and chief executive officer of Energy Fuels. “Together with VAC, we will strengthen global rare earth and magnet supply chains, providing a reliable, secure and diversified source of critical materials from mines to highly valued permanent magnets.
“In addition, VAC’s rapid solidification and crystalline businesses provide a soft-magnetics platform that is expected to result in greater scale, broader customer reach and enhanced ability to invest in innovation, manufacturing and growth. The combination of our two companies provides enhanced shareholder value and positions Energy Fuels as a leading, secure and trusted supplier for critical materials that are essential for national security and the safety and integrity of Western supply chains,” he concluded.
The transaction brings together Energy Fuels’ upstream REE assets, including low-cost REE mining projects and existing separation capacity, with VAC’s downstream REE magnet manufacturing expertise. Following completion of the transaction, VAC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Fuels and will retain its branding and historic identity.
Source: Energy Fuels