Morningstar Inc, the listed US-based global investment research provider, has acquired Sustainanalytics, a Dutch ratings and research company covering the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of investment offers. Morningstar had acquired 40% of the equity in 2017 and has now completed the purchase of the remaining 60%.
The deal reflects increased public and investor interest in the sustainable and equitable aspects of company performance. It involves upfront cash of €55m, with further payments based on performance in 2021 and 2022, potentially valuing Sustainanalytics at €170m.
The 25-year-old company, whose key brand is the ESG Risk Ratings, offers data on 40,000 companies across 172 countries. It employs 650 staff in 16 offices.
Morningstar Inc provides data and research insights on a wide range of investment offerings, including managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, and debt securities.
