Nextchem completes acquisition of Ballestra, expanding its technology portfolio in phosphates and fertilizers
Publish Date: 2026-06-25 07:52:00
Source Domain: www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com
6/25/2026 12:00:00 PM
- The transaction accelerates the development of Nextchem’s technology platform on a global scale, integrating approximately 460 professionals (of which 300 in Italy, 50 in Switzerland and 110 in India) with distinctive process engineering capabilities
- The integration of the Ballestra group also supports the expansion of Nextchem’s European network of innovation centers, which includes proprietary laboratories and industrial demonstration plants in Italy and Switzerland, dedicated to the validation and scale-up of new technological solutions
- New cross-selling opportunities arise with Tecnimont, MAIRE’s Integrated Engineering & Construction Solutions (IE&CS) business unit, in relation to industrial plant projects, revamping and material transformation
- The purchase price is €148.2 million, based on an enterprise value of €108.2 million and an adjusted net cash of €40.0 million
Following the communication released on 24 December 2025, MAIRE announced that Nextchem has completed the acquisition of the entire share capital of Ballestra group, one of the leading global players in the licensing, design and engineering of processing plants, as well as in the supply of proprietary technologies and equipment for the chemical industry.
The integration of Ballestra significantly strengthens Nextchem’s positioning, expanding its technology portfolio in phosphate and potassium fertilizers and completing its coverage of the full NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) spectrum. At the same time, it provides access to new segments with high growth potential, particularly in chemistry for the production and circularity of strategic materials needed to develop and expand electrification, where Nextchem is already present with metals recovery technologies following the recent acquisition of ETEK. Among these, know-how in sulfuric, phosphoric and hydrofluoric acid offers significant opportunities and…
