Italian engineering group Maire (BIT:MAIRE) has signed binding agreements through its subsidiary Nextchem to acquire two European businesses specialising in critical minerals and metals recovery technologies.
The acquisition covers Sweden’s MEAB AB and Germany’s MEAB GmbH for up to €8 million ($12.84 million), including an upfront payment of €4 million and a further €4 million tied to financial performance over four years.
Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Founded in 1970, MEAB develops hydrometallurgical and solvent extraction technologies used to separate, recover, and purify precious metals, base metals, and rare earth elements from mined and recycled materials.
Its services span laboratory testing, pilot-scale development, engineering, equipment supply, and commissioning of industrial processing facilities.
The acquisition will add two applied research centres in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Aachen, Germany, to Nextchem’s network, along with more than 20 specialist engineers.
According to Maire, MEAB’s technologies will complement its existing capabilities in phosphoric acid purification and expand opportunities to recover metals from mining resources, residues, and secondary waste streams.
The deal follows Nextchem’s acquisition of a 70% stake in Italian metals recycling technology company ETEK in June.
ETEK provides technology for recovering critical and precious metals from mining tailings, electronic waste, batteries, and other industrial waste streams.
Maire operates engineering and technology businesses across the energy, chemicals, and industrial sectors, with Nextchem specialising in processing technologies, strategic materials, and resource recovery.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: MEAB
