Excellera Acquires Alma Strategic Communications in UK

Excellera, a prominent corporate affairs consultancy operating across EMEA, has significantly expanded its United Kingdom presence by integrating Alma Strategic Communications into its group. This strategic move, backed by global alternative asset manager ICG plc, aims to enhance Excellera's financial communications capabilities within one of the world's most critical financial hubs.

The acquisition brings Alma, a leading independent financial communications firm based in London, under the Excellera umbrella. Alma specializes in guiding companies through pivotal corporate moments, offering deep expertise in investor relations, M&A communications, IPO advisory, and capital raising strategies. Their team comprises seasoned professionals with backgrounds in investment banking, industry, and communications, providing a nuanced understanding of the UK's financial markets.

This integration is a key component of Excellera's international growth agenda. The firm now reports an approximate annual revenue of €80 million, supported by a global team of around 400 professionals spread across 15 offices. The addition of Alma's established London team is expected to create a powerful synergy, offering clients a comprehensive suite of integrated financial and corporate communications services, complemented by Excellera's broader offerings in public affairs and data intelligence.

Paolo Zanetto, CEO of Excellera, expressed enthusiasm for the integration, stating, "We are excited to welcome Alma’s professionals to our Group. Financial communications is a business built on relationships, market knowledge and authority earned over time. With Alma, we are strengthening our presence in London — the EMEA hub for capital markets and capital markets communications, and of central importance to our clients — through a team that has advised on some of the most significant transactions of recent years." He further highlighted the creation of an "outstanding corporate affairs offering" accessible to companies and investors.

Josh Royston, Founder of Alma, echoed the sentiment, noting the shared cultural vision and client-centric approach. "Paolo and his team are building an extraordinary business in a clearly defined market with their success due to a relentless focus on client outcomes. We share the same cultural vision and I have no doubt that we have found the right partner to help us realise our ambitions." Royston emphasized that joining Excellera will facilitate further investment, create new opportunities for colleagues, and expand client access to diverse expertise.

The transaction underscores the growing trend of consolidation within the professional services sector, particularly in areas requiring specialized financial expertise. The UK financial communications market, valued in the hundreds of millions annually, continues to attract significant investment as companies navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments and investor expectations. Excellera's expanded offering, now incorporating Alma's deep market knowledge, positions it to capture a larger share of this dynamic market.

Excellera, founded in Italy in 2022 and backed by ICG plc since December 2025, has been actively building its international footprint. Its advisory model integrates public affairs, corporate, and financial communications, leveraging an AI-enabled approach. The group's existing offices span key global centers including Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.