Oppenhoff advises RE.LION.BAT Circular on construction of battery recycling plant

Oppenhoff has advised RE.LION.BAT. Circular GmbH, a joint venture between the DEPPE Group and Fahrzeug-Werke LUEG AG, on the construction of the largest European battery recycling plant in Meppen, Emsland. Oppenhoff had already advised the DEPPE Group on the establishment of the joint venture at the beginning of the year.

With RE.LION.BAT. Circular, both companies are establishing a holistic recycling process for lithium batteries. Investments are also being made in state-of-the-art plant technology to recover important raw materials for producing new batteries for electric vehicles. In addition, a decentralised logistics network for unloading and dismantling is to be set up via LUEG locations in Germany and abroad. The lithium battery recycling plant is expected to be operational as early as the fourth quarter of 2024, with a maximum capacity of 60,000 tons.

The DEPPE Group, which is based in Lingen, is one of the leading companies in the waste management industry in Germany, with a history of more than 120 years. The DEPPE Group has diverse operations in the metal and battery trade as well as in recycling.

LUEG is one of the largest providers of individual mobility in Germany. Founded in 1868 as a carriage manufacturer in Bochum, the LUEG Group currently has a total of almost 2,400 employees in Europe. With 33 locations in six countries, it is one of Germany's largest mobility service providers.

"We are delighted that our client is contributing to the transformation of the European automotive landscape by building the battery recycling plant," said Dr. Philipp Heinrichs, junior partner in Oppenhoff’s Corporate and M&A practice.

The Oppenhoff team, led by Dr. Philipp Heinrichs (Corporate/M&A) and Marvin Rochner also included Julia Höyng (both Real Estate) and Holger Hofmann (Public Law/Regulatory).

The Automotive & Mobility sector group at Oppenhoff regularly provides comprehensive advice to leading OEMs and suppliers as well as associations on issues in the automotive and mobility sector –from M&A, joint venture and supply contracts to restructuring and distribution structures.

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