Nextchem invests in R&D and technological innovation
Nextchem strengthens its financial structure to support investments in technological innovation and R&D, consolidating its leadership in sustainable technological solutions that will drive the future of the green industry and energy transition.
Managing Director, Nextchem
Intesa Sanpaolo reaffirms its key role in supporting clients tackling the challenges of the energy transition, offering expertise and resources to accelerate change and enable sustainable economic and social development.
Head of Client Coverage & Advisory
IMI Corporate & Investment Banking, Intesa Sanpaolo
THE BACKGROUND
Nextchem, part of Maire Group, is specialised in delivering sustainable technological solutions in three key business segments: Sustainable Fertilizers Nitrogen-Based & Fuels, Low-Carbon Energy Vectors, and Sustainable Materials and Circular Solutions.
Nextchem positions itself as an enabler of a low-emission future; its expertise helps reduce the environmental impact of the fertilizer industry, leveraging its recognised leadership in urea and offering innovative solutions for ammonia. Similarly, the company offers advanced technologies for low-emission chemicals and fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), as well as CO2 capture and conversion. Lastly, Nextchem facilitates the conversion of waste into valuable resources, through chemical and mechanical recycling of materials.
OBJECTIVES
In line with its strategy, Nextchem is investing significant resources in technological innovation and Research & Development, with the aim of expanding its portfolio of technologies supporting the transition and continuously providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients. This commitment is put into action through the development of a ten-year strategic plan, setting clear targets for medium- to long-term investments.
THE PROJECT
To support Nextchem's development, Intesa Sanpaolo's IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, in collaboration with a pool of leading financial institutions, has structured a dedicated 7-year financing, 70% of which is guaranteed by SACE’s Archimede Guarantee (an instrument introduced by the 2024 Budget Law to back Italian companies' investments).
The financing aims to strengthen Nextchem's financial capacity, enabling the acceleration of its strategic investment plan in technological innovation, digitalisation, ecological transition, and R&D, as well as potential M&A transactions.
As part of the transaction, Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division acted as Global Coordinator, Facility Agent, SACE Agent, and Sustainability Coordinator, reaffirming its role as a strategic partner of the Maire Group, with which it has a long-standing relationship, sharing its values focused on promoting sustainable economic and social development.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
- Global Coordination of the Deal: Intesa Sanpaolo coordinated all phases of the transaction, from structuring to execution, confirming its expertise as the lead bank in syndicated financing and strengthening the track record of the IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division.
- Engagement with Public and Private Institutions: We engage at various levels with public and private financial institutions, acting as a conduit for different needs and developing shared solutions between the parties.
- ESG Advisory Services: we offer specialist advisory services on ESG and sustainability issues, aiming to embed these aspects into the financing structure.
- Support for the Energy Transition: acting as a financial institution and a promoter of new, positive market practices, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting investments aimed at sustainable economic and social development.