Neue Studie veröffentlicht: ESG für M&A-Transaktionen unverzichtbar

ESG Indispensable for M&A Transactions, Dealmaker Survey Reveals

Boston Consulting Group and Gibson Dunn have partnered on “The Payoffs and Pitfalls of ESG Due Diligence” Report

April 18, 2024 – Frankfurt and Munich.  Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP today published a report based on surveys with dealmakers globally on ESG due diligence practices in M&A transactions. The research reveals a striking consensus: conducting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) due diligence is now indispensable for M&A transactions.

Two-thirds of M&A professionals across all industries reported that they have engaged on ESG topics during transactions, although the influence of ESG factors on due diligence processes is not yet uniform across different regions and deal sizes. The research reveals that Europe is at the forefront, with ESG due diligence performed in half of the deals, compared with one-third of the deals in North and South America and Asia.

Jens Kengelbach, Managing Director and Senior Partner in the Munich office of Boston Consulting Group, stated: “The survey highlights the widely held view among dealmakers that ESG due diligence is essential in M&A transactions for mitigating risks but also for preserving and enhancing deal value.“

Dirk Oberbracht, Partner in the Frankfurt office of Gibson Dunn, commented the survey’s results: “The findings also make clear that the value preserved and created by ESG due diligence often surpasses the investment required for comprehensive assessments. The survey also revealed that buyers are more likely to include ESG considerations for large acquisitions.”

The report was co-authored by Jens Kengelbach, Jana Herfurth and Dominik Hegen from Boston Consulting, and Dirk Oberbracht, Ferdinand Fromholzer and Jan Schubert from Gibson Dunn.

Click HERE for a copy of the report.

About the Survey

To understand the prevailing ESG due diligence practices in M&A transactions, BCG and Gibson Dunn surveyed 115 dealmakers in Europe, North and South America (including in the US), and Asia. The dealmakers are in various industries and participate in different deal sizes. The survey participants, who hold positions ranging from managers to roles in the C-suite, have been personally involved in deals during the past three years and are familiar with ESG due diligence practices. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents are corporate executives, while the others are from private equity or venture capital firms or financial institutions.

About BCG

Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, BCG works closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

The diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. BCG works in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

About Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes.

Founded in 1890 in Los Angeles, Gibson Dunn has more than 1,900 lawyers spanning dozens of practice areas and 21 offices throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Across offices and practice areas, Gibson Dunn operates as a unified whole.

The firm is known for its creative problem-solving, precision, and the novel approaches taken—tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes.

Gibson Dunn’s clients range from leading multinationals to high-growth startups, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, commercial and investment banks, government entities, partnerships, and individuals. For more information on Gibson Dunn, please visit the website.