Private Equity investments generally have the following characteristics:
- Expected attractive long term returns (in excess of listed equities).
- Illiquidity (one cannot easily trade these investments) - typically a private equity fund will have a term of around ten years.
- Exposure to areas of the global economy, that are not easily accessible through listed equities – developing regions and/or technologies offer potential for higher growth but also higher risk/disruption.
- Funding innovative solutions including those that will have a positive social impact and/or contribute to a transition to a low carbon economy.
We are long-term investors and this long-term commitment is based on the expectation that our fund managers will build lasting and sustainable companies before they sell them. While individual managers focus on different geographies, sectors or investment strategies (buy outs, buy and build, venture capital), we expect private equity fund managers to commit to responsible investment, create value by considering and managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in their portfolio companies and take advantage of ESG opportunities.
Robeco Private Equity is the private equity arm of Robeco, one of our fund mangers. Robeco recognise the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and opportunities in private equity investments and were one of the first asset managers in the industry to launch a private equity strategy with an ESG Engagement Program. Below are links to some examples of this approach.
Engagement Case Study - Apax Partners
Engagement Case Study - 21 Partners
Engagement Case Study - Pegasus