In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, sustainable investing is no longer a niche practice—it has become a critical pillar of responsible asset management. Investors across the globe are increasingly prioritizing long-term value, ethical responsibility, and measurable impact alongside financial returns. At Permira Invest Group, this fundamental shift aligns closely with our mission: to grow and protect client wealth while advancing a more sustainable and equitable global economy.
A Philosophy Rooted in Values
Permira’s approach to investing is anchored in our core values: Partnership, Integrity, and Creativity. These guiding principles not only shape our corporate culture but are actively reflected in our investment strategy. We believe that financial performance and positive societal impact are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they often go hand in hand.
To translate our values into action, we have implemented a Values-Based Investing (VBI) framework. This systematic approach allows our investment teams to screen potential investments for alignment with our principles and assess their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk profiles. By applying the VBI framework across our flagship buyout and select credit funds, we ensure that our capital supports enterprises that reflect both our financial goals and ethical standards.
- Embedding ESG at Every Stage
Sustainability at Permira is not an afterthought—it is embedded throughout the entire investment lifecycle. From the earliest stages of deal sourcing to the final stages of exit, ESG factors play a central role in shaping our decisions.
- Initial Screening and Due Diligence
We begin by evaluating potential investments for sector-specific sustainability risks. Investments with unacceptable risk levels are excluded early in the process. For those that pass this screen, we conduct rigorous ESG due diligence, examining environmental compliance, reputational risk, and opportunities for value creation through sustainable practices. Tools such as RepRisk help us identify any red flags at the earliest stage.
- Post-Investment Integration
After acquisition, ESG priorities are woven into our 100-day plans and long-term value creation strategies. Our teams work closely with portfolio companies to implement sustainability initiatives that align with their strategic objectives and business models. These may include operational improvements, emissions reduction, diversity and inclusion strategies, or governance reforms.
- Exit Strategy
As part of our exit preparation, we track a company’s ESG progress during our ownership. A strong ESG record enhances a company’s appeal to future investors and reinforces its long-term value. Sustainability is increasingly seen as a proxy for resilience, making it a core component of value realization at exit.
Driving Impact Through Thematic Investing
One of the most powerful ways Permira advances sustainability is through thematic investment in sectors that directly contribute to environmental and social progress. We actively seek out opportunities in high-growth industries aligned with the climate transition, digital transformation, and improved healthcare outcomes.
By identifying and investing in companies that are already making a difference—or have the potential to—Permira helps scale solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s clean technology, sustainable consumer goods, or digital healthcare platforms, we see impact investing not as a trade-off, but as a growth strategy with long-term relevance.
Active Ownership and Engagement
Permira doesn’t just invest—we partner. Our firm takes an active ownership approach, providing hands-on guidance and support to help companies meet ambitious sustainability targets. We encourage portfolio companies to adopt Science-Based Targets (SBTi), reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and improve their ESG transparency.
Collaboration is also key. We foster an internal network where companies across our portfolio can share best practices and learn from each other’s successes in sustainability. This collective momentum helps accelerate impact across sectors and geographies.
Accountability Through Reporting
We understand that transparency is essential to building trust and driving results. That’s why Permira is a proud participant in the ESG Data Convergence Initiative, which aims to standardize ESG metrics in private equity. In addition, we publish detailed Responsible Investing Reports annually, providing clear insights into our ESG performance.
Our reporting incorporates guidance from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), ensuring that we focus on financially material information that’s relevant to investors and stakeholders alike.
Tangible Impact Across Our Portfolio
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the real-world outcomes achieved by companies across our portfolio:
- Neuraxpharm has earned an EcoVadis silver medal for sustainability, installed solar panels, and launched mental health initiatives.
- Genesys achieved carbon neutrality in its cloud operations, with ambitious targets for net-zero emissions by 2040.
- Grobest, operating in aquaculture, pioneers biotech feeds that reduce environmental strain and improve resource efficiency.
- Adevinta promotes the circular economy, avoiding over 3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2023 through its marketplaces.
- Dr. Martens has launched a recycled leather line, built a resale platform, and committed to 100% sustainable materials by 2040.
- Exclusive Networks has made notable strides in reducing emissions per revenue unit and aims to slash Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
These achievements underscore the power of strategic ESG engagement—not only as a moral imperative but as a core driver of value creation.
Aligning With Investor Expectations
Modern investors are increasingly drawn to firms that demonstrate accountability, resilience, and social awareness. At Permira, we’ve aligned our investment philosophy with these evolving expectations, offering a platform where smart investing meets sustainable impact.
Our integration of ESG principles into mainstream investing helps protect against downside risks while unlocking opportunities in emerging markets and technologies. By creating resilient portfolios that reflect the values of our clients, we build stronger investor relationships and drive long-term success.
Conclusion
At Permira Invest Group, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. Our multi-layered approach to smart and sustainable investing, built on core values and operational excellence, positions us as a leader in responsible asset management. By embedding ESG across the investment lifecycle, engaging deeply with our portfolio companies, and reporting transparently on our progress, we strive to deliver enduring value for both investors and society.
As we look toward the future, our mission remains clear: to help build a smarter, more sustainable world—one investment at a time.
