By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : December 25, 2025 8:11 pm
This acquisition will also create cross-selling opportunities with Tecnimont, Maire’s IE&CS business unit, in relation to energy transition and material transformation projects
Maire announced that its sustainable tech arm, NextChem, has signed a binding deal to buy 100% of the Ballestra Group, a global leader in chemical plant technology.
This acquisition brings Ballestra's expertise in oleochemicals, surfactants, and advanced fertilizer processes (sulfuric/phosphoric acids) into NextChem's fold, significantly expanding its offerings for sustainable products and circular economy solutions, including the iconic Mazzoni brand.
Headquartered in Milan and founded in 1960, Ballestra Group operates in more than 120 countries with a workforce of 450 employees. The group includes BUSS ChemTech AG (Switzerland) and Ballestra Engineering and Projects Pvt. Ltd (India). With over 6,400 plants installed globally, the company serves a blue-chip clientele backed by robust R&D hubs and pilot plants in Italy and Switzerland.
BUSS ChemTech, Ballestra’s Swiss subsidiary acquired in 2021, is a world leader in fluorine derivatives and gas-liquid reaction processing plants. In particular, among the fluorine derivatives, the hexafluorophosphate is essential for solar cell production, lithium-ion batteries, and specialty gases for power grid upgrades and the fast-growing demand for electrification. It is also active in pyrolysis technologies for hard-to-recycle plastic waste, supporting the circular economy and decarbonization efforts of the industry.
The acquisition of Ballestra Group brings a robust portfolio of proprietary technologies that further expand NextChem’s value proposition in the chemical and fertilizer sectors adding in its portfolio new adjacent products entirely covering the potassium, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphate segments and supporting electrification, recycling, emissions reduction and energy efficiency, while creating cross-selling opportunities with MAIRE’s IE&CS division, leveraging Ballestra Group’s strong track record.
Ballestra’s consolidated backlog, standing at €275 million at the end of September 2025, was further reinforced in the fourth quarter, and is expected to exceed €315 million by year-end.
FY 2025 Group revenues are projected at approximately €235 million.
The agreement establishes an enterprise value of €108.3 million. Based on Ballestra’s consolidated net cash position of €18.2 million as of 31 December 2024 as adjusted according to the criteria agreed in the contract, the resulting purchase price is approximately €126.5 million. The final consideration, entirely payable at closing, will be calculated on the basis of the updated net financial position adjusted according to the same criteria contained in the contract. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash-on-hand and credit facilities granted to NextChem.
The transaction is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026, pending customary closing conditions.
Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, commented: “The acquisition of Ballestra Group is consistent with the business plan already announced and a perfect strategic fit with NEXTCHEM’s purpose of enabling decarbonization through proprietary technologies, while deepening our access to new fast‐growing end‐markets. As clients race to electrify, recycle and improve efficiency, they need partners that combine proven technologies with reliable project delivery. MAIRE is building exactly that: a European technology platform with global reach, able to convert innovation into industrial realities.”