ICB Group: Reforming the Public Environment with Consulting Services

The financial market in Mexico has faced a dearth of initial public offerings (IPOs) in the past, flinching back the private companies from expansion. To address this issue, the country needed investor relations to prepare businesses for IPOs and build a healthy relationship between a company’s leadership and its investors.

Julio Portales, CEO of ICB Group, came forward to bridge this gap in 2010. His extensive experience in public relations, corporate communications, lobbying and crisis management was crucial in establishing the company, while his role as president of the National Lobbying Association (PROCAB) in Mexico helped it gain momentum. ICB’s position as a reliable lobbying firm solidified in 2012 when the practice of public affairs and government relations became widespread in the nation.

Portales witnessed the gradual developments in Mexico, which persuaded him to expand the services in 2016. ICB started addressing security matters and moved into telecommunications by introducing a special division known as ICB Telecoms. This expansion led to the company’s robust growth. Soon after, in 2023, Portales decided to change the strategic approach by aligning with the new wave of opportunities between Mexico and the U.S. In the nearshoring trend, he started delivering services in government relations, primarily focusing on investment companies.

“We crafted a one-stop shop service for companies looking to invest in Mexico. Our expertise lies in managing relationships across all levels of government, including federal, state and local municipalities. Today, we offer consulting services in public affairs and development of technology-based projects,” says Portales.

ICB’s comprehensive services have impacted many clients from America, Europe and Asia from different economic backgrounds. More importantly, it has built strategic alliances with renowned organizations like McKinsey for consulting and Holland & Knight for legal services to serve its diverse clientele. The company helps clients navigate the business intricacies in a streamlined process, making it easier for them to invest in the country.

In one instance, ICB assisted a popular pharmaceutical company, Moksha8. They brought a portfolio of medicines that needed access to the Mexico market, including Peramivir, a drug designed to combat H1N1 disease. ICB helped them access the market through the Mexican Medical Devices Agency (AMID). This drug was successfully introduced in the market after navigating the government processes, demonstrating ICB’s ability to deliver critical solutions in a situation of urgency.

Another compelling testament to the company’s success was the establishment of the Mexican Council of Medical Diagnosis Firms (COMED), which focused on clinical and imaging labs instead of pharmaceutical companies. This council represents the industry nationwide. ICB authorized the agenda of negotiations on behalf of the industry, which resulted in efficient diagnostic services in Mexico and was crucial to group laboratories during the critical time of the pandemic.

We crafted a one-stop shop service for companies looking to invest in Mexico. Our expertise lies in managing relationships across all levels of government, including federal, state and local municipalities

ICB’s extensive expertise in government relations keeps it at the forefront of the public environment. The seasoned team has worked as civil servants in the past, as well as in public affairs for major multinational companies in Mexico. This makes them comprehend both sides of the equation while navigating the business landscape. Simultaneously, the team has a potential academic background with master’s degrees and PhDs from Ivy League universities. This is a prerequisite for the company to hire top-notch talents to deliver efficient services. More importantly, Portales’ dedication to reforming the public environment influences many sociologists and anthropologists to cooperate with him in his services.

Today, the Mexican market is booming with effective government relations services, enabling foreign investors to enter the market, especially in the nearshoring wave. Portales’ initiative plays a huge role in providing consulting services in the public environment with technological integration. ICB aims to forge the future of the industry by expanding its operations from Mexico to the U.S.