Excellera Acquired London Firm Alma Strategic
The Italian parent company has expanded its European footprint by acquiring the London-based communications consultancy.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Corporate Finance
Excellera, the Italian parent company of Barabino and Community, has officially acquired London-based Alma Strategic Communications. The integration aims to combine the firms' capabilities while retaining existing leadership roles at Alma.
Why it matters
This move strengthens Excellera's position in the international financial communications market by incorporating a firm specialized in capital markets and crisis management. It continues the company's aggressive growth strategy following its recent acquisitions of Ad Hoc Communication Advisors and Instinctif Partners' Middle East operations.
Excellera manages 15 offices globally with a workforce of 400 employees and associates. The group currently generates €80 million in annual revenues.
The players
Excellera
Excellera is an Italian holding company that owns communication firms including Barabino and Community and is backed by the investment firm ICG.
Alma Strategic Communications
Alma Strategic Communications is a financial communications and crisis management firm based in London.
The details
Alma Strategic Communications will integrate its UK operations with the Excellera team to bolster services in financial communications, media relations, and capital markets. Partners at the acquired firm will continue to lead their existing operational and strategic business units under the new ownership structure.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Excellera announced the official acquisition of Alma Strategic Communications.
Market Landscape
This acquisition aligns with the broader consolidation trend in global financial communications and public relations services. By scaling its network, Excellera is positioning itself to compete more aggressively against major international holding companies for high-stakes capital market mandates.
Clients of Alma Strategic Communications can expect expanded access to a wider European network and additional resources for cross-border financial communication projects. The continuity of existing partner roles ensures that current account management and strategic advisory standards remain in place for ongoing mandates.
The takeaway
The acquisition highlights the value of boutique financial expertise in an increasingly globalized market for media relations. Businesses seeking similar expansion should prioritize cultural and operational integration to maintain the specialized advisory quality that original clients expect.
Further reading
For more on industry consolidation, see the Corporate Finance section.
