Barabino & Partners, the corporate and financial communications giant in Italy, has joined forces with Excellera Advisory Group, a rising star in corporate affairs consulting backed by Xenon Private Equity.
Launched in November 2022 through the merger of Cattaneo Zanetto Pomposo & Co. (public affairs) and Community (communications and reputation management), Excellera has been on a growth trajectory. Acquisitions of Public Affairs Advisors and Value Relations in the past year solidified their position. With €25 million in fees and a team of 170 spread across Rome, Milan, and Brussels, Excellera was already making waves.
This acquisition more than doubles Excellera's size, reaching €60 million and solidifying their leadership in financial communications and M&A. Barabino, ranked number one in M&A communications for Italy (by deal volume) by Mergermarket last year, brings immense expertise.
The acquisition expands Excellera's geographical footprint significantly. Barabino's international network adds offices in London, New York, Berlin, Munich, and Paris, complementing Excellera's Italian presence with a Genoa office.
Founded in 1985 by Luca Barabino, the company will continue to operate under its own brand, just like other Excellera entities. Luca Barabino remains CEO, and Federico Steiner retains his role as General Manager. Both join the Excellera board.
"Excellera becomes a central hub for any global company seeking comprehensive support in Italy," says Paolo Zanetto, (pictured), CEO of Excellera. "We offer corporate, financial, brand, communication, and governance affairs expertise, along with reputation building. Our international network empowers us to guide Italian companies in their global expansion."
Franco Prestigiacomo (Xenon founding partner) and Gianfranco Piras (Xenon partner and Excellera chairman) highlight the impressive growth: "In just over a year, Excellera has achieved a 14% revenue increase, welcomed valuable additions, and now takes a major step forward with Barabino & Partners."
