NextChem to acquire Ballestra

Maire recently announced that NextChem has signed a binding agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Ballestra Group, a global leader in the licensing, design and engineering of processing plants, as well as the supply of proprietary technologies and equipment for the chemical industry.

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Milan, Ballestra is the holding of a group of companies comprising Buss ChemTech (Switzerland) and Ballestra Engineering and Projects (India). Ballestra Group operates in over 120 Countries with approximately 450 employees and offices in Europe and Asia, serving a well-established base of blue-chip clients supported by a proven track record of over 6,400 plants installed worldwide. It relies on a strong intellectual property and R&D expertise, continuously sustained by proprietary pilot plants in Italy and Switzerland, which serve as innovation hubs for testing and scaling new technological processes. Through Buss ChemTech it is active in pyrolysis technologies for hard-to-recycle plastic waste, supporting the circular economy and decarbonization efforts of the industry. Ballestra’s consolidated backlog, standing at 275 million euros at the end of September 2025 was further reinforced in the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 group revenues are projected at approximately 235 million euros.

The acquisition of Ballestra Group brings a robust portfolio of proprietary technologies that further expand NextChem’s value proposition in fields such as recycling, emissions reduction, energy efficiency and chemicals, while creating cross-selling opportunities with Maire’s IE&CS division. The agreement establishes an enterprise value of 108.3 million euros. Based on Ballestra’s consolidated net cash position of 18.2 million euros as of 31 December 2024 as adjusted according to the criteria agreed in the contract, the resulting purchase price is approximately 126.5 million euros. 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.

“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,” Alessandro Bernini, CEO of Maire, stated.