Excellera Acquires Fourtold, Expands EU Public Affairs

Excellera, a prominent international corporate affairs consultancy backed by Intermediate Capital Group (ICG), has significantly expanded its European footprint by acquiring Fourtold, a Brussels-based firm specializing in public affairs and policy communications. This strategic move, following Excellera's earlier acquisition of the UK's Alma, signals a robust growth trajectory for the group, pushing its annual revenues past the €80 million mark.

The integration of Fourtold, which brings approximately 30 seasoned professionals to the Excellera fold, is particularly impactful for the group's presence in Brussels, the epicenter of European Union regulatory and policy-making. Fourtold's expertise spans critical sectors such as health, technology, and energy transition, offering clients sophisticated strategic counsel on navigating EU institutions and executing integrated advocacy campaigns. The firm's established track record since its inception in 2013, and its operation in Brussels since 2018, underscores its deep understanding of the EU policy environment.

Key leadership from Fourtold, including founding partner and CEO Matthew Willis and partner Nicola Scocchi, will continue to drive the Brussels operations. Crucially, both executives are reinvesting a substantial portion of their proceeds into Excellera, underscoring their commitment to the group's future success and aligning their interests with the broader strategic vision. Deborah Parriss, a principal founder, will also maintain her involvement, ensuring continuity and leveraging her experience.

This acquisition is a testament to the growing demand for specialized public affairs expertise within the European market. As regulatory frameworks become increasingly complex across industries, companies are seeking integrated solutions that combine deep policy insight with effective communication strategies. Excellera's enhanced capabilities, particularly through Fourtold's established presence and B Corp certification, position it to meet this demand effectively. The corporate affairs sector, a vital component of the broader business services industry, is experiencing sustained growth, driven by globalization and evolving regulatory landscapes.

The transaction saw Excellera advised by legal counsel from A&O Shearman and PedersoliGattai, with financial due diligence provided by Alvarez & Marsal and financial advisory services from Fineurop Soditic. Fourtold received legal support from Osborne Clarke, tax due diligence from Calculo Tax Audit Limited, and financial advisory from Sue Couldery and Waypoint. This multi-faceted advisory team highlights the complexity and strategic importance of such cross-border M&A activities in the professional services sector.

Paolo Zanetto, CEO of Excellera, emphasized the strategic importance of Brussels as a hub for shaping European policy. He stated that the integration of Fourtold significantly strengthens Excellera's ability to guide clients through the intricate regulatory environment and contribute to policy development, fostering a seamless connection between Brussels and national capitals. The addition of Fourtold's team brings invaluable institutional knowledge and a proven capacity for building consensus through targeted advocacy and communication initiatives.