Altech Batteries (ASX:ATC) secures full control – A power move for the future

Altech Batteries (ASX:ATC) secures full control – A power move for the future

February 28, 2025 Off By MarketOpen

There’s a common refrain in the battery metals space: control the supply chain, control your destiny.

That’s precisely the strategy Altech Batteries (ASX:ATC) is enacting with its latest move—an ambitious consolidation of its European battery technology interests that gives it 100% ownership of its Silumina Anodes™ project and a commanding 75% stake in the CERENERGY® sodium-chloride solid-state battery venture.

For a company that has long been a proponent of alternative battery technologies, this deal is more than just another notch in the M&A playbook.

It’s a strategic recalibration that could set the stage for Altech’s long-term positioning in the increasingly fractious global battery materials race.

The Deal at a Glance

Altech Batteries acquisition of Altech Advanced Materials AG’s (AAM) stakes in both projects comes at a price tag of $23.3 million, to be paid in Altech shares.

As a result, AAM will become a 21% shareholder in Altech, shifting from direct project ownership to a pure-play investment exposure.

It’s a complex financial transaction, but the valuation numbers tell an intriguing story.

The risk-adjusted value of both projects, based on definitive feasibility study (DFS) metrics, sits at $77 million—more than three times the acquisition cost.

One might argue that Altech has secured a bargain.

However, this assumes it can successfully execute its project development plans, a challenge in an industry littered with well-intentioned but ultimately underfunded ventures.

A New Battery Contender?

While much of the sector remains fixated on lithium-ion chemistry, Altech is hedging its bets with two alternative battery technologies:

  • CERENERGY® Sodium-Chloride Batteries: Marketed as a fireproof, cobalt-free and lithium-free alternative, these solid-state batteries boast a 15-year lifespan and resilience in extreme climates.
  • Silumina Anodes™: A play on the growing push to integrate silicon into lithium-ion anodes, a move expected to improve energy density and battery longevity.

The latter has attracted significant attention from the EV sector, with Altech disclosing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with automakers and battery supply chain players in Germany and North America.

Why This Matters

Altech’s move comes amid shifting sands in the European battery sector.

While lithium-ion remains the dominant technology, the EU’s push for battery supply chain independence—combined with a growing appetite for alternative chemistries—could play into Altech’s hands.

By consolidating ownership, the company has also removed a layer of governance complexity.

“This transaction streamlines decision-making and enhances project execution,” Alltech Stated.

In simpler terms, it gives management the autonomy to move quickly on financing and commercialisation.

The Path to Growth

With full control over Silumina Anodes™ and a larger stake in CERENERGY®, Altech is well-positioned to accelerate development and attract strategic investors.

The company’s move to consolidate ownership not only strengthens its negotiating position but also provides clarity to potential partners.

“This transaction ensures Altech has the flexibility to pursue the best financing and commercialisation pathways for these breakthrough battery technologies,” the company noted

With the battery industry evolving rapidly, Altech’s latest play could prove to be a defining moment in its journey.

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