NEXTCHEM Acquires Ballestra Group to Bolster Specialty Chemicals and Fertilizer Portfolio
NEXTCHEM, a MAIRE subsidiary, is acquiring Ballestra Group for approximately €126.5 million, with closing expected in H1 2026. This strategic acquisition significantly enhances NEXTCHEM's intellectual property, technology capabilities, and global footprint in specialty chemicals, sustainable fertilizers, and bio-based detergents. Ballestra brings expertise in fluorine derivatives for lithium-ion batteries and advanced acid production, complementing NEXTCHEM's existing portfolio. The deal is projected to boost NEXTCHEM's FY 2025 revenues to €235 million, strengthening its market position.
NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of MAIRE, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Ballestra Group for an estimated purchase price of €126.5 million, with an enterprise value of €108.3 million. The acquisition, set to finalize in the first half of 2026, marks a significant step for NEXTCHEM in expanding its intellectual property, technology capabilities, and global presence across specialty chemicals.Ballestra Group, headquartered in Milan and founded in 1960, comprises Ballestra S.p.A. (Italy), BUSS ChemTech AG (Switzerland), and Ballestra Engineering and Projects Pvt. Ltd. (India), employing around 450 people across more than 120 countries. Its expertise spans sustainable fertilizers, bio-based detergents, fluorine derivatives crucial for lithium-ion batteries, and advanced gas-liquid reactor design. Ballestra also brings a strong track record in licensing, plant design, and engineering for the chemical industry, with over 6,400 plants installed globally.This strategic integration will provide NEXTCHEM with proprietary technologies and specialized engineering expertise, particularly in fluorine derivatives and advanced processes for sulfuric and phosphoric acid production, vital for various fertilizers. It complements NEXTCHEM's existing strengths in nitrogen-based fertilizers, creating a comprehensive portfolio. The acquisition is also expected to unlock cross-selling opportunities with TECNIMONT, MAIRE’s E&C unit, supporting global energy transition and material transformation projects. Financially, NEXTCHEM projects consolidated revenues of approximately €235 million and a year-end backlog of €315 million for FY 2025 following the integration, underscoring strong growth prospects.
