ESG In Private Equity – Doing Well By Doing Good

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust into the spotlight certain of our private equity clients who have stepped up in a significant way. In recent weeks, private equity firms, including many with a tendency to shy away from the spotlight, have made significant contributions in an effort to support their communities and those most impacted by COVID-19. Many of the world's leading private equity firms have committed sizeable sums to relief funds, hospitals and food banks, and taken steps to support and provide meals and accommodations to frontline healthcare workers thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

The idea that businesses can and should consider environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) in the course of investment and management decision-making – often referred to as responsible investing – is not new.  However, ESG's growing prevalence among private equity firms, both as a factor in investment decision-making and risk mitigation and as