Private equity news

You might have noticed earlier this month that Private Equity News turned from its usual dark blue to a dazzling yellow. The Private Equity Foundation stamped its colours on the masthead as Chief Executive, Shaks Ghosh, guest edited a special 6th anniversary edition. It gave Shaks the opportunity to approach the usual stories from her own perspective and look beyond the financial implications to the wider environmental, social, governance (ESG) and philanthropic aspects.

BVCA research highlighted the subject’s increasing relevance to the industry, with a clear majority of respondents agreeing that social and governance issues were an important factor to consider when making an investment. More than 90 per cent also said that they took ESG issues into account when managing their portfolio.

Simon Walker, Chief Executive of the BVCA, presented an ultimate goal of “private equity firms, as owners of businesses, becoming a standard bearer for best practice in this area.” And, in a guest comment, Lord Mandelson, UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, added his voice to encourage more people in the private equity industry to become involved.

A full version of the magazine is available to download here.