The origins of the Future
A legacy of knowledge
shaping the future.
1996
THE BIRTH OF FB COMUNICAZIONE
Inspired by the Anglo-Saxon lobbying model, Fabio Bistoncini founded FB Comunicazione, the first Italian company specializide in Public Affairs. He was joined by Paola Perrotti and Vincenzo Aprile, beginning to expand expertise and client portfolio. FB Comunicazione’s first major achievement was the approval of Law 240/2000, better known as the Anti-Piracy Law, which protected businesses in the cultural industry and initially focused on analog piracy (VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs). Over time, the law evolved to address the challenges of the digital age and became an important reference pont for the entire sector.
During the same period, the pharmaceutical sector—an increasingly vital part of the national economy—became a key area for Public Affairs activities. In the early 1990s, the industry was at the center of “Farmacopoli,” a vast corruption and healthcare scandal involving doctors, company owners, managers, pharmaceutical employees, public health officials, university professors, and consultants. FB Comunicazione embarked on the challenging task of rebuilding a network of relationships based on transparency and constructive dialogue with institutions.
2009
FROM FB COMUNICAZIONE TO FB & ASSOCIATI
FB Comunicazione evolved into FB & Associati, marking a significant phase of growth. Over its first 13 years, the company not only expanded its business but also witnessed critical transformations: the transition from the First to the so-called Second Republic, the emergence of political rotation in government, the geopolitical shock of 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the rapid integration of digital technology into public and private life.
2010
THE CREATION OF THE INTERNAL RESEARCH CENTER
FB & Associati has always prioritized content as the foundation for developing long-term strategies. With the creation of the internal Insights Lab, content shifted from being a mere work tool to a strategic asset. This unit was tasked with continuously monitoring legislation at multiple levels, interpreting and analyzing it withinits broader context, all for the benefit of clients. FB & Associati was the first company in Italy to establish such an innovative tool, which has since evolved alongside technological advancements and expanded beyond national borders.
2013
FB & ASSOCIATI OPENS ITS BRUSSELS OFFICE
As European institutions consolidated, the European Union’s influence expanded, limiting the discretion of member states in interpreting EU directives. This broadened the scope of Public Affairs to such an extent that FB & Associati crossed national borders, opening an office in Brussels—the heart of European Public Affairs.
Over the past 12 years, the Brussels office has provided timely and consistent updates on the evolution of the EU political landscape and agenda, ensuring effective representation of clients’ interests within the decision-making process.
2016
FB & ASSOCIATI OPENS ITS MILAN OFFICE
The 2001 constitutional reform of Title V reshaped Italy’s decision-making processes by placing municipalities, provinces, metropolitan cities, regions, and the state on equal footing, granting regions extensive legislative and financial autonomy. Decision-making became exponentially more complex, balancing European regulations with regional ones.
Milan, a European city and Italy’s economic and financial hub, was at the epicenter of this transformation.
Opening an office in Milan became a natural step, initially focusing on Advocacy and later expanding into digital and media communication, seeing the birth of the Digital and Media Advocacy Division in 2024. The rise of online discourse, shifting from blogs to social platforms, and the explosion of political communication in new media further shaped the Milan office’s mission: to develop a strategic approach that integrates all key players influencing modern decision-making.
2021
THE PATIENT ADVOCACY MOVEMENT
For FB & Associati, the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors have always been areas of major interest. Drawing from extensive experience, the company was among the first to recognize the central role of patients in shaping medical and scientific decision-making through Patient Advocacy.
This vision led to the establishment of the Healthcare & People Advocacy Division in 2023, aimed at providing a structured and methodologically sound response to an increasingly interconnected sector. Traditional Government Affairs and Institutional Relations activities have now merged with Advocacy, creating a highly complex and evolving dialogue.
2022
FB & ASSOCIATI BECOMES A BENEFIT CORPORATION – LAUNCH OF THE MASTER’S PROGRAM IN INTEREST REPRESENTATION: LOBBYING & ADVOCACY
With its growing expertise in healthcare and the increasing influence of new stakeholders in social policy, FB & Associati became the first Benefit Corporation in Italy’s lobbying sector in 2022.
Under its FB Benefit initiative, the firm offers pro bono consulting to nonprofit organizations, charities, social enterprises, and third-sector entities, representing their interests in the development of policies with a positive social impact.
That same year, FB & Associati partnered with the Faculty of Law at Sapienza University of Rome to launch Italy’s first second-level Master’s program in “Interest Representation: Lobbying & Advocacy“. As the first Public Affairs Master’s program at Europe’s largest university, it represents a significant opportunity to improve the sector’s perception and train highly sought-after professionals in the job market.
2023
TWO NEW DIVISIONS: HEALTHCARE & PEOPLE ADVOCACY AND DIGITAL & MEDIA ADVOCACY
In addition to the Healthcare & People Advocacy Division, 2023 marked the expansion of FB & Associati’s expertise with the creation of the Digital & Media Advocacy Division.
The company had already identified advocacy as a complementary tool to lobbying in 2019, incorporating it into its brand identity. The formalization of the new division, based in Milan, further strengthens FB & Associati’s approach, integrating Public Affairs, Digital, and Media strategies to help clients achieve their goals.
2024
THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS HUB IS ESTABLISHED
Alongside the Digital and Media Advocacy Division, FB & Associati launched the Community Relations Hub in its Milan office to support businesses and organizations in understanding the political, social, and economic dynamics of the areas in which they operate—or intend to operate—facilitating constructive dialogue with local communities.
With a multidisciplinary approach and proprietary digital tools, the Community Relations Hub helps to prevent reputational risks, identify opportunities, and develop effective engagement strategies.
2025
FB & ASSOCIATI BECOMES BISTONCINI PARTNERS
FB & Associati transitions to Bistoncini Partners, a significant milestone in the company’s history. This evolution highlights the contributions of the individuals who have driven its success and reaffirms its commitment to excellence in a constantly evolving environment. Rather than altering its mission, this transformation strengthens its dedication to providing top-tier services in an ever-changing landscape.
