ESG backlash having little effect on ESG and impact priorities for private equity firms

Private equity firms remain focused on issues that could pose risks or value-creation opportunities for their portfolio companies, says Elizabeth Ming, ESG audit partner in KPMG’s private equity practice in an interview with Private Equity International Magazine.

Key interview takeaways:

• The ‘backlash’ isn’t changing business risks and opportunities and the way they are being considered and managed.
• Sustainability issues such as climate change resilience, disruption caused by shifting consumer demands, and workforce retention continue to be key challenges.
• The demand in the corporate world for assurance around ESG and impact data is getting close to table stakes, particularly for public companies.
  
• There is no question that good data is needed to make informed decisions around the investment thesis – but it’s important to understand exactly what data is relevant.