service providers

The PRI suggests LPs ask about pre-investment screenings, post-investment monitoring and how the firm analyses the impact of its ESG approach on financial performance.

The Manchester-headquartered firm invested in the company in 2021 from both its impact and buyout funds.

Independent verification providers such as BlueMark 'are vital in assessing and assuring that investors are delivering on their impact claims and commitments', says Temasek Trust's Dawn Chan.

Apex group will add MJ Hudson's ESG services to its own offering, which is used by over 400 GPs and LPs

The accounting firm also named a new exit readiness leader as it continues its $1bn PE expansion.

Novata, an ESG data software company for investment managers, is the latest to receive private equity backing – following the likes of Blackstone, CVC and KKR.

Apex has gathered data from over 400 GPs and 1,500 portfolio companies in a bid to help clients 'identify areas of underperformance'.

The deal continues the trend of private equity players targeting ESG consultancy services.

The firm, called Follett Parker, aims 'to advise businesses to hire through a considered lens, outside of the conventional modus operandi of recruitment,' the founder says.

There is huge opportunity for those providing ESG data products or services to private markets investors.