Investing Responsibly

As global investors, we have a duty to the world and the people around us. To deliver on this, we have built the ability to assess ESG risks throughout the investment lifecycle.

50
+

Portfolio companies monitored for appropriate governance of ESG

35
%

Reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2021

Values-based investing

We apply Permira’s own values of Partnership, Integrity and Creativity to everything that we do, including our approach to responsible investment.

Our values-based investing approach aim to help investment teams to identify ESG risks during the due diligence process, through early review and analysis of sub-sectors which may have a higher ESG risk profile.

For our Buyout funds, the values-based investing approach also plays an important role in determining ESG risks and opportunities to facilitate decisions on which companies the funds will and won’t invest in.

Integrating ESG throughout the investment lifecycle

Understanding the key levers that drive business improvement, including ESG considerations, is at the heart of our investment approach for our Buyout funds.

From the very beginning, we are committed to actively engaging with portfolio company management teams as they seek to address material risks and realise value creation opportunities relating to ESG and sustainability.

We believe that having a well-defined, responsible and proactive approach to ESG can positively drive the performance and success of our portfolio companies and position them for a sustainable future long after our exit.

1
Selection

Potential investments for certain funds are evaluated pre-investment on a case-by-case basis, taking into account ESG and sustainability risks*

* In terms of screening, potential investments are considered on a case by case basis as part of the pre-investment process, where consideration is given to ESG and sustainability risks. There may be instances where the PE or selected credit funds would not invest in certain sectors or sub-sectors due to the sustainability risks impacting the value of an investment exclusion criteria.
2
Entry
ESG considerations and sustainability risks are core to our due diligence, including compliance, reputational risks and value creation opportunities
The approach to due diligence varies by strategy, reflecting levels of access to information. Permira Credit CLO funds apply a separate risk rating framework. For Sigma Funds, the focus is on engagement with CLO managers on an annual basis who select investments.
3
Stewardship
Material ESG risks are integrated into value creation plans and ongoing monitoring over the lifetime of each investment, as relevant
The focus is on PE buyout funds, where we have the greatest influence. Ongoing ESG engagement level and nature of engagement varies by fund and strategy considering levels of influence and control.
4
Exit
Generally, progress made on ESG is closely monitored during our ownership, ensuring each investment is well-positioned for the future

Engaging with the industry

We are active in multiple industry-wide ESG and sustainability initiatives. We also encourage and support relevant portfolio companies in following this lead.

The PRI is an independent body supported by the UN which provides a framework for investors to integrate responsible investment practices to enhance returns and manage risk. There are six principles for responsible investment with actions to incorporate ESG issues into investment practice. Permira has been a signatory since 2011 and reports annually on the approach to integrating ESG. 

The Sustainability Markets Initiative, which was founded by the former Prince of Wales, has a mission to enable the private sector to transition to a sustainable future rapidly. Permira is a member of the private equity taskforce for the SMI.

The BVCA is the industry and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. Permira joined BVCA Responsible Investment Advisory Group in 2015. The BVCA recognised Permira with its Excellence in ESG award in 2022.

The goal of the EDCI is to create meaningful, performance based ESG data from private companies and enable greater transparency by converging on a standardised set of ESG metrics for private markets across six themes (carbon, renewables, new hires, employee engagement, health and safety and Board diversity). Permira is a founding member of the steering committee and collects EDCI metrics from the private equity and direct lending funds.

A global community of private market investors seeking leadership in improving the industry’s understanding and management of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Permira is a founding member of the UK iCI.

LPA is an industry association with around 600 member institutions representing more than 2 trillion USD of private equity assets under management. The ILPA Diversity in Action initiative brings together limited partners and general partners. The goal is to motivate members to engage to create more diverse and inclusive firms and portfolios. Permira joined ILPA Diversity in Action in 2021.

Invest Europe is the world’s largest association of private capital providers. Invest Europe represents Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure investment firms, as well as their investors, including some of Europe’s largest pension funds and insurers. Permira has been a member of the Invest Europe ESG Steering Committee since 2003.

ESG Report 2022

We believe in forward-thinking, responsible business and that ESG is key to building companies that will compete long into the future.

ESG risks vary according to sector, region and size. We take this into account to understand the most relevant issues for each business.
14 Sep 2023

ESG Report 2022