Excellera Expands Reach with Instinctif Partners MENA Acquisition

Deal News | May 21, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Instinctif Partners MENA

Excellera Advisory Group, a leading corporate affairs advisory group in Italy, has announced its strategic acquisition of Instinctif Partners MENA, the Middle East operations of Instinctif Partners, to enhance its international growth. With this acquisition, Excellera aims to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and Arabic-speaking North African markets. Excellera, which now exceeds $75 million in turnover and has a team of over 350 professionals, will add locations in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai to its global network, increasing its total number of offices to 15 worldwide. The acquisition is part of Excellera's growth strategy, initiated in 2022 with support from Xenon Private Equity, aimed at establishing itself as a leading player in the corporate affairs sector. Instinctif Partners MENA will operate under the new name IP Excellera, maintaining its existing management team led by CEO Samantha Bartel. With over 100 corporate clients and annual growth exceeding 20% over the past five years, IP Excellera offers strategic communications, capital markets, and investor relations services.

Sectors

  • Corporate Affairs
  • Strategic Communications
  • Private Equity
  • Financial Services

Geography

  • Middle East & North Africa – The acquisition targets the Middle Eastern and Arabic-speaking North African markets, expanding Excellera's presence in this fast-growing region.
  • Italy – Excellera Advisory Group is based in Italy and is expanding its operations internationally.

Industry

  • Corporate Affairs – The article discusses the strategic acquisition by Excellera Advisory Group, a leader in corporate affairs, aiming to expand their reach and strengthen their market position.
  • Strategic Communications – The acquisition involves Instinctif Partners MENA, a strategic communications consultancy, focusing on financial and corporate communications.
  • Private Equity – The acquisition is backed by Xenon Private Equity, providing financial support for Excellera's growth strategy.
  • Financial Services – The services offered by IP Excellera include strategic communications, capital markets, and investment relations.

Financials

  • $75 million – Excellera Advisory Group's turnover exceeded $75 million post-acquisition.
  • $3 trillion – Combined market value of more than 100 corporate clients represented by IP Excellera.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Excellera Advisory GroupAcquirerCompanyItaly's leading corporate affairs advisory group expanding its international presence.
Instinctif Partners MENATarget companyCompanyMiddle East operations of Instinctif Partners, specializing in strategic communications.
Xenon Private EquityFinancial supportCompanyPrivate equity firm providing strategic and financial support to Excellera.
Samantha BartelCEOPersonCEO of IP Excellera, leading the management team post-acquisition.
Paolo ZanettoCEOPersonCEO of Excellera Advisory Group, commenting on the strategic significance of the acquisition.
Gianfranco PirasChairmanPersonChairman of Excellera Advisory Group and Partner at Xenon Private Equity.
Julian WalkerCEOPersonCEO of Instinctif Partners, commenting on the strategic refocus post-sale.
Pinsent Masons and Gatti Pavesi Bianchi LudoviciLegal advisorCompanyLegal advisors to Excellera Advisory Group for the acquisition.
DeloitteFinancial Due DiligenceCompanyProvided financial due diligence services for the deal.
PwCTax AdvisorCompanyAdvised on tax matters for the acquisition.
Simmons and Simmons & SI GlobalLegal advisorsCompanyProvided legal advisory to Instinctif Partners MENA during the transaction.