MAIRE has announced that Nextchem has entered into a binding agreement to acquire from Metso Corp. a metals and chemicals processing technology business, including the fluidised-bed roasting, and metallurgical off-gas treatment technology required for the integrated treatment of sulfur-bearing metallurgical off-gases. The transaction will be carried out through the acquisition of a newly incorporated company to be established by Metso in Germany, with presence also in Sweden and India.
The business to be acquired is a globally recognised technology leader serving the metals and chemicals processing industries, with an offering ranging from licensing and proprietary equipment supply to comprehensive aftermarket services. Its proprietary solutions address key stages of mineral processing: thermal treatment of ores, concentrates and residues, recovery and processing of valuable metals and treatment and purification of metallurgical process off-gases. In sulfur-bearing processes, these capabilities enable the management and abatement of sulfur-containing streams and other contaminants, supporting compliance with increasingly stringent environmental requirements while improving resource utilisation and process efficiency.
The business will bring a proprietary intellectual property portfolio of more than 60 patent families covering fluidised-bed reactor technology, cyclone and gas-solid separation systems, the thermal treatment of fine-grained and granular solids, and the production of metal oxides, as well as more recent developments, such as the use of hydrogen in fluidised-bed systems. It relies on a longstanding industrial track record with over 1000 references worldwide, of which 300 roasting references, including a leading global position in zinc and pyrite applications, and more than 100 gas cleaning installations, comprising market-leading technologies for the removal of mercury, arsenic and fluorine from industrial emissions. The portfolio also includes downstream solutions for the treatment of sulfur-rich process gases, providing an integrated technology chain for metallurgical applications.
Following closing, the business will operate through established engineering, technology, service and R&D hubs, with headquarters in Oberursel (Germany), an R&D Centre in Frankfurt (Germany) and a presence in Skellefteå and Gothenburg (Sweden) and Kolkata (India). With a workforce of approximately 180 highly skilled professionals, it will provide Nextchem with additional capabilities and specialised expertise.The acquisition will strengthen Nextchem's offering in technologies for mineral processing, inorganic chemistry and the treatment of critical and strategic raw materials, serving the evolution of the industry value chains. It is expected to generate commercial synergies with Tecnimont, while increasing the Group’s exposure to end-markets supported by the long-term structural trends linked to electrification and AI infrastructure.
The transaction envisages an enterprise value of €40 million, out of which €32 million upfront, subject to customary closing adjustments, and an earn-out of €8 million. The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, the execution of the carve-out process and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions for transactions of this type. Closing is expected to occur in mid-2027.
Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of Nextchem, commented: "This acquisition will significantly enhance Nextchem’s offering in critical and strategic raw materials, an area of growing importance for global industrial development. The combination of proprietary technologies, extensive industrial references and highly specialised know-how will allow us to broaden our presence in the metals and chemical processing industries and support our customers in improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact and enabling the evolution of the critical and strategic raw material processing value chains. We are also pleased to welcome a team of approximately 180 highly skilled professionals whose expertise will contribute to the next phase of Nextchem’s growth."
Piia Karhu, President, Minerals at Metso, added: “MAIRE is well positioned to further develop these businesses, that are synergistic with their existing business, while providing long-term value to customers and employees. In line with Metso’s strategy, this divestment further sharpens our focus on minerals processing and metals refining solutions.”
