MAIRE has completed the acquisition of Ballestra Group through its technology business, NEXTCHEM, marking a major step in expanding its portfolio of proprietary technologies for the chemical and process industries. The transaction follows the agreement announced in December 2025 and brings one of the world’s established technology licensors and engineering specialists into the MAIRE Group.
The acquisition significantly broadens NEXTCHEM’s capabilities across the fertilizer value chain by extending its technology offering to phosphate- and potassium-based fertilizers, complementing its existing expertise and enabling comprehensive solutions across the full NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) segment. The integration also opens opportunities in high-growth markets linked to electrification and strategic materials. Ballestra contributes technologies for sulfuric, phosphoric and hydrofluoric acid production, strengthening NEXTCHEM’s ability to support customers in the metals, mining and specialty chemicals industries. The addition builds on the company’s recent expansion into metals recovery technologies and enhances its position in supplying solutions for critical materials required for energy transition applications.
Another key addition is BUSS ChemTech, Ballestra’s Swiss subsidiary, which holds a strong position in fluorine-based process technologies. These technologies support the production of materials used in lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaic panels and specialty gases required for modern power infrastructure. The acquisition also reinforces NEXTCHEM’s presence in the circular economy through advanced technologies for processing difficult-to-recycle plastic waste.
Ballestra also brings established expertise in oleochemistry, including technologies for detergents, surfactants and soap production under the internationally recognised Mazzoni brand. These capabilities address growing demand for sustainable consumer products while expanding NEXTCHEM’s reach into new industrial segments.
Beyond technology, the acquisition strengthens MAIRE’s engineering capabilities by adding approximately 460 highly skilled employees and expanding its industrial know-how. Ballestra’s research laboratories and demonstration plants in Italy and Switzerland will become part of NEXTCHEM’s European innovation platform, supporting the development, testing and commercialisation of new technologies for the global market.
The acquisition is expected to create additional commercial opportunities through collaboration with Tecnimont, MAIRE’s engineering, procurement and construction business, particularly in industrial plant development, plant modernisation and materials transformation projects.
The transaction was completed for a purchase price of €148.2 million, comprising an enterprise value of €108.2 million and adjusted net cash of €40 million. The acquisition was financed through a combination of internal cash resources and dedicated banking facilities arranged for NEXTCHEM. Ballestra will continue to operate under the leadership of Paolo Iengo, ensuring continuity for customers and employees while supporting integration within the MAIRE Group.
Commenting on the development, Alessandro Bernini, Chief Executive Officer of MAIRE, said the acquisition represents a significant strategic milestone that strengthens the company’s position in fast-growing industrial sectors. He noted that the addition of Ballestra’s technologies, engineering expertise and skilled workforce will accelerate the development of a European technology platform with a strong international footprint while expanding solutions for fertilizer production, advanced materials and strategic industries.
Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Milan, Ballestra operates in more than 120 countries and has installed over 6,400 plants worldwide. The group maintains manufacturing, engineering and research operations in Italy, Switzerland and India, supported by a backlog of approximately €270 million as of the end of March 2026.
