strengthening its portfolio of proprietary technologies and equipment and its expertise in the separation, purification and recovery of precious metals, rare earths and critical materials, essential to support electrification and the development of digital and AI infrastructure

• MEAB is a specialised provider of proprietary technologies and equipment, as well as engineering services, with over 50 years of know-how in the development of tailored processes, designed around the characteristics of the specific feedstock or recycled raw material, for the separation and purification of precious metals, rare earth elements and strategic materials
• The acquisition strengthens Nextchem’s positioning in solutions for critical and strategic raw materials, supporting the mining sector and circularity, with applications complementary to the Group’s technologies
• MEAB brings two specialized applied research centers in Sweden and Germany, which will become part of Nextchem’s network, expanding its geographical and technological coverage
• The transaction provides for a maximum consideration of €8.0 million, consisting of an upfront payment of €4.0 million and an earn-out of up to €4.0 million; closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026

Milan, 20 October 2026 – MAIRE announces that its subsidiary Nextchem has signed binding agreements for the acquisition of the entire share capital of MEAB AB (Sweden) and MEAB GmbH (Germany), companies specialized in technologies and engineering services for the separation, treatment, recovery and purification of critical, strategic and precious metals, as well as rare earth elements (jointly, “MEAB”).

Founded in Sweden in 1970, MEAB specializes in the development of proprietary technologies and the provision of engineering services and specialized equipment for hydrometallurgical and solvent extraction processes, supporting clients throughout the entire development cycle, from pilot activities to the design and implementation of industrial solutions for the separation, recovery and purification of a wide range of metals, including base metals and rare earth elements, key raw materials supporting global growth trends connected with electrification and digitalization.

MEAB’s services include applied research activities, laboratory testing, feasibility studies, process development, engineering, the supply of proprietary equipment, installation assistance, commissioning, operator training and plant performance optimization.

MEAB operates with a workforce of over 20 highly qualified engineers and two applied research centers, located in the Gothenburg area in Sweden, and Aachen in Germany, which together form an integrated platform. Following completion of the transaction, the two centers will become part of Nextchem’s network, contributing to enhancing its innovation and technology application capabilities.

The acquisition strengthens Nextchem’s positioning in inorganic chemistry and technologies for strategic and critical raw materials. MEAB’s expertise will broaden the Group’s capabilities in the valorization of mining resources and residues and will complement its offering in phosphoric acid purification, opening new opportunities for the development of solutions for the recovery of metals and other high value-added materials, as well as for the production of high-purity phosphoric acid. The transaction will also increase the Group’s exposure to circular solutions for resource recovery from secondary streams, supporting more sustainable raw material management.

The consideration for the transaction provides for an upfront payment of €4.0 million, on a debt-free and cash-free basis, subject to customary closing adjustment mechanisms, in addition to a variable component (earn-out) of up to a maximum of €4.0 million, linked to the companies’ financial performance over the following four financial years. Closing of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of Nextchem, commented: “The acquisition of MEAB marks a further step in Nextchem’s growth journey in technologies for strategic and critical raw materials. The expertise joining the Group broadens our offering, complementing Nextchem’s existing capabilities and creating new development opportunities in high-potential markets, while contributing to more sustainable management of mining resources. The addition of the applied research centers in Gothenburg and Aachen to the Group’s network will also strengthen our innovation and technology development capabilities.”