MAIRE/NEXTCHEM buys 70% of ETEK (owner of SISEMTEK) to add metals recovery capabilities

Deal overview

NEXTCHEM, a MAIRE subsidiary, acquired 70% of ETEK S.r.l., which wholly owns SISEMTEK S.r.l., expanding into large‑scale precious and strategic metals recycling. The enterprise value for 100% of the two companies is €17.5 million; NEXTCHEM paid €5.0 million upfront and agreed potential earn‑outs to reach a total consideration of €11.1 million for the 70% stake, payable through 2030 and funded via existing NEXTCHEM facilities.

Technology and feedstocks

ETEK’s platform combines pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes plus electrowinning and proprietary equipment, notably TBRC (Top Blown Rotary Converter) furnaces designed to improve recovery, handle heterogeneous feedstocks and raise energy efficiency. The solution treats e‑waste, spent catalysts, batteries, photovoltaic panels, mining tailings and other metal‑bearing residues to produce black copper and, with downstream integration, refined metals and ingots including copper, gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

Strategic integration

NEXTCHEM will fold ETEK/SISEMTEK capabilities into its circular solutions portfolio — covering feasibility, licensing, equipment supply, engineering, commissioning and operational support — extending beyond plastics recycling and gasification to recover critical raw materials for high‑tech and industrial clients.

Management view

NEXTCHEM’s managing director described the acquisition as a milestone that adds a proprietary platform for recovering strategic and precious metals from complex waste streams, strengthening the group’s resource recovery capabilities and opening opportunities in critical raw materials.