Metso has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Ferrous business to SMS group, a global company specializing in technology and services for plant construction and mechanical engineering within the metals industry. The agreement marks a strategic move for both companies as they realign their portfolios to focus on core growth areas.

The transaction includes a range of Metso’s Ferrous technologies, such as the traveling grate pelletizing system and the Circored™ direct reduction process. The deal also encompasses the related service business that supports these technologies. Once the transaction is complete, around 180 employees—mainly based in Germany, India, and China—are expected to become part of SMS group.

The completion of the transaction is contingent upon regulatory approvals and is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2026. The companies have agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction. According to Metso, the deal will not have a material impact on its profit and loss statement.

Since October 2023, Metso has reported the Ferrous business—excluding its related service operations—as discontinued operations in its financial statements. This aligns with the company’s broader strategic decision, announced in March 2023, to divest its Ferrous, Heat Transfer, and Metals and Chemical Processing businesses. The divestment is part of Metso’s effort to concentrate on areas where it sees the greatest potential for growth and long-term profitability.

“SMS group is a great home for the ferrous technologies,” said Piia Karhu, president of Metso’s Minerals business area. “It can offer both focus and scale for these businesses and hence capitalize on their full potential, together with the strong team that is committed to further developing these technologies for the benefit of customers.”

Thomas Hansmann, chief technology officer of SMS group, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition, particularly in supporting the metals industry’s shift toward more sustainable practices.

“We are very pleased to add these future technologies to our product portfolio, including the respective know-how carriers,” Hansmann said. “The intention is for the Circored™ technology to help us pursue our ambition to be a leading partner in the green transformation of the metals industry.”

In parallel with the transaction, Metso has made additional decisions regarding the remaining businesses within its Ferrous, Heat Transfer, and Metals and Chemical Processing segments. The company will retain operations that show strong market potential and synergy with Metso’s offerings for the copper and battery minerals industries. These retained businesses will be reported as part of the Minerals segment going forward.

For the remaining businesses that do not align with this strategic direction, Metso will begin planning an orderly wind-down process.

The transaction supports Metso’s strategy to focus on businesses that offer high growth potential, especially in the evolving landscape of sustainable and battery-focused mineral processing.