Blackstone finalises previously-announced acquisition of Sphera

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 -- Sphera has announced that private equity funds managed by Blackstone have completed their previously announced acquisition of Sphera, a leading provider of environmental, social and governance (ESG) software, data and consulting services, from Genstar Capital.

The transaction, which values the company at US$1.4 billion, continues Blackstone’s thematic investment focus on the ESG sector and provides Sphera with capital to help accelerate its growth and product offerings. (US$1 = RM4.162)

Spanning over 80 countries with more than 3,000 customers, Sphera combines its software as a service solution with consulting services, underpinned by proprietary data, to support businesses globally to manage and mitigate ESG risk. This support is delivered through its three product lines: Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S); Operational Risk Management; and, Product Stewardship.

As part of Sphera’s strategic growth efforts, the company has announced the appointment of Kimberly Kolb as chief human resources officer responsible for developing and supporting Sphera’s global workforce.

She brings over 30 years of human resources, consulting and marketing experience from technology, professional service and financial services firms to the position, having held senior leadership roles at Whittman-Hart, CME Group and XR Trading.

In a statement, Sphera CEO and president, Paul Marushka said: “As we enter this new stage, we are excited to be able to partner with Blackstone. Our achievements to date are a result of the dedication, hard work and effort of the team at Sphera.

“I am proud to collaborate with such a dedicated team as we take Sphera, with Blackstone’s investment and support, to the next level. This partnership with and capital injection by Blackstone will facilitate the next evolution of innovation, cementing our position as leaders and allowing us to push ahead with our vision for ESG software integration with extensive data and world-class consultancy services.”

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms, with US$684 billion in assets under management including investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis.

More about Sphera at www.sphera.com.

-- BERNAMA