Excellera Expands Its Global Reach by Acquiring Instinctif Partners in MENA

Excellera Advisory Group, an acclaimed corporate affairs advisory firm based in Italy, has made a notable move into the Middle Eastern market through its recent acquisition of Instinctif Partners MENA. This strategic maneuver marks a monumental step in Excellera’s ambitious growth plan, which has been underway since 2022, backed by the financial insights of Xenon Private Equity.

The acquisition of Instinctif Partners MENA, a renowned strategic communications consultancy with over 12 years of experience in the region, not only strengthens Excellera's foothold in the Middle East but also significantly enhances its operational capabilities in Arabic-speaking North African countries. This development is expected to solidify Excellera’s position as a leader in corporate affairs as it diversifies its portfolio and expands its global footprint.

Strengthening Corporate Affairs Around the Globe

Excellera's acquisition pushes its total turnover to exceed $75 million, with a workforce of over 350 talented professionals. This growth is complemented by a network of 15 offices worldwide, extending beyond Italy to major cities such as London, New York, and now, the Middle East.

This deal also facilitates the rebranding of Instinctif Partners MENA under the name IP Excellera, ensuring continuity with the existing management team led by CEO Samantha Bartel. Bartel emphasizes the firm’s commitment to providing unparalleled strategic communications, capital markets, and ESG sustainability consulting services, as they transition into this new era as part of Excellera.

A Glance at Instinctif's Legacy

Instinctif Partners has made a significant mark in the industry by advising over 100 corporate clients collectively valued at more than $3 trillion. The firm has demonstrated consistent annual growth exceeding 20% for the past five years, a key indicator of the strong market demand for expert advisory services in the region. Bartel, who has been the face of the firm, expressed gratitude towards the dedication of the team and the loyalty of their client base, indicating an optimistic outlook for this new chapter as IP Excellera.

Focus on Strategic Development and Market Presence

Excellera Advisory Group's Chairman, Gianfranco Piras, described the acquisition as pivotal in their international expansion strategy, which aims to create a competitive group within the corporate affairs sector. The deal is positioned to attract further high-value opportunities in the vivacious MENA market.

CEO Paolo Zanetto highlighted how crucial it is for Excellera to enhance its service offerings in vital markets such as the EMEA region, where finance and business intertwine on a global scale. He stressed the importance of executing strategic advice in a world where interconnectivity is rampant, making their combined capabilities even stronger.

Conclusion: A New Era of Growth

This acquisition is not just about growth in numbers but represents an essential strategic alignment in addressing the complex, evolving needs of clients facing diverse challenges in today’s marketplace. Samantha Bartel and her team at IP Excellera are excited to leverage Excellera’s established global network and resources to elevate their service delivery.

Julian Walker, CEO of Instinctif Partners, confirmed that this strategic decision allows Instinctif to focus on its core business while wishing Sam and her team well in their new endeavors. Legal guidance during the transaction was provided by reputable firms including Pinsent Masons, Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici, Deloitte, and PwC, ensuring a smooth transition as they embark on this journey.

As Excellera and IP Excellera set the stage for future advancements, the markets will undoubtedly watch closely how this alliance reshapes the corporate affairs landscape across the Middle East and beyond.