Sustainable investment specialist RobecoSAM has sold its ESG Ratings to S&P Global as it aims to focus on a different part of the business.
S&P Global, which also owns credit rating firm Standard and Poor’s, has agreed to buy the ESG rating business of Swiss sustainability expert RobecoSAM.
The SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), an annual report on how sustainable companies really are, will also be part of the deal, according to a joint statement released by the firms on Thursday. The ESG ratings business has two parts, one being the CSA arm, the other providing detailed reports to companies that want to know how well they perform in comparison with their rivals.
Making S&P Leader in ESG Criteria
The purchase of the business from RobecoSAM will help S&P Global boost its position as a leader in the business with information and product solutions on ESG criteria. The company will be better equipped to offer transparent, robust and comprehensive ESG solutions.
The deal will also be advantageous for RobecoSAM as it is in line with its strategy: «The transaction will allow Robeco and RobecoSAM to focus on the interpretation and application of ESG data, as well as sustainable investing research for its core asset management activities,» the company said in the statement.
«S&P Global is best positioned to maintain and build on the leading position of the CSA, which will continue to benefit Robeco, RobecoSAM, and their clients,» said Karin van Baardwijk, vice chair of RobecoSAM.
