Deal Strengthens ISS’ Responsible Investment Capabilities in Australasia
SYDNEY (February 19, 2019) — Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), the leading provider of end-to-end responsible investment and governance solutions to the global financial community, today announced it has acquired CAER, a pioneer in the provision of independent research on the environmental, social, governance (ESG) performance of Australasian companies.
Based in Canberra, CAER has been working with institutional investors seeking to monitor portfolio companies’ ESG policies, practices, and disclosures since 2000. CAER’s comprehensive experience utilizing ESG data and assessments, ratings, and screening capabilities are valued by a range of institutions across Australia and New Zealand. Clients also leverage the CAER team’s skill set to assist with the monitoring of ESG controversies; analyze companies and portfolios with specific ESG risks such as climate change; support active ownership strategies; and develop ESG-focused indices.
Clients of CAER will continue to receive deep, local expertise with added global support drawing on the wider ISS organization and ISS ESG, the responsible investment arm of ISS.
“This acquisition underscores ISS’ commitment to the Australian, New Zealand, and wider Asia-Pacific market where we see growing interest in monitoring portfolio companies for a wide range of ESG risks and opportunities,” said ISS ESG Managing Director Marija Kramer. “We are pleased to welcome the entire CAER team to the ISS ESG family.”
The acquisition of CAER will more than double ISS’ headcount in the market to include eight research analysts covering responsible investment and corporate governance across the region.
“With the addition of CAER, ISS will combine superior market coverage with local insight and serve clients as the only local provider to offer both ESG and governance workflow solutions,” noted Jeff Brown, ISS country head for Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond ESG data products, CAER works with clients to undertake specific and customized research projects, including developing responsible investment policies and strategies along with portfolio assessments and screening scenarios. CAER also works with clients to deliver bespoke thematic research reports and bespoke ethical and ESG assessments.
“The entire team and I are excited to join ISS ESG and to bring CAER’s industry leading solutions and services to a wider, global audience,” said CAER CEO Julia Leske. “Moreover, the expansive offerings, high-touch service, and global scale provided by ISS ESG will benefit our clients greatly.”
