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  • August 2020
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

U.S. Private Equity Firms: ESG and Impact (A)

By: Lynn S. Paine and Holly Fetter
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:13
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Abstract

This Note has two parts. The first part (A) explores how U.S. private equity firms are incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, & Governance) factors and impact objectives into their investment strategies and firm practices. It is based on publicly available information and on interviews with representatives from leading firms, limited partners (LPs), academic experts, and relevant nonprofit organizations. The note begins with background on the PE industry. It then examines why and how firms are incorporating ESG and impact objectives, identifies the barriers to integrating these objectives more fully, and summarizes some areas of possible improvement.
The second part (B) offers suggestions for offers suggestions for roles various constituents can play in advocating for improved ESG and impact efforts in the PE industry.

Keywords

Private Equity; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Social Issues; Financial Services Industry; United States

Citation

Paine, Lynn S., and Holly Fetter. "U.S. Private Equity Firms: ESG and Impact (A)." Harvard Business School Background Note 321-036, August 2020.
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About The Author

Lynn S. Paine

General Management
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Related Work

    • August 2020
    • Faculty Research

    U.S. Private Equity Firms: ESG and Impact (B)

    By: Lynn S. Paine and Holly Fetter
Related Work
  • U.S. Private Equity Firms: ESG and Impact (B) By: Lynn S. Paine and Holly Fetter
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