NEXTCHEM acquires 100% of Ballestra Group

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Milan, Ballestra S.p.A. is the holding of a group of companies comprising BUSS ChemTech AG (Switzerland) and Ballestra Engineering and Projects Pvt. Ltd (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 6400 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.

Ballestra has a long-standing heritage in detergents, surfactants, and oleochemicals serving chemical producers as well as leading (fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies through licensing, engineering services, and proprietary equipment – sold through the well-known Mazzoni brand and assembled in the company’s own facilities in Busto Arsizio (Italy).

Additionally, Ballestra’s chemicals division specialises in advanced processes for producing sulfuric and phosphoric acids, key components in the manufacturing of phosphate-based solutions, NPK nutrients, and specialty fertilizers. The integration of Ballestra’s phosphate-sulfur and potassium-based fertilizer technologies expands NEXTCHEM’s technological portfolio and complements its market proposition in nitrogen-based fertilizers.

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.

Ballestra’s consolidated backlog, standing at €275 million at the end of September 2025, was further reinforced in the 4Q25, and was expected to exceed €315 million by the end of 2025. FY 2025 Group revenues were projected at approximately €235 million.

The agreement established 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, was 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 finalised in 1H26, 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 decarbonisation 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.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/06012026/nextchem-acquires-100-of-ballestra-group/