Institutional Shareholder Services acquired the investment climate data advisory division of South Pole Group in a move that reinforces its responsible investing tools and services.
The investment climate data advisory division will be rebranded ISS-Ethix Climate Change Advisory, and providers investors, asset owners, money managers and banks with data and analytics to measure the impact of climate change on portfolios. The group was established in 2010 and is based in Zurich, and has the world's largest database of company-level climate change data, said a news release by ISS.
Marija Kramer, head of responsible investment at ISS, said in an email that the terms of the deal — which has already closed — were not disclosed.
The division also developed standardized investment carbon screening tools, covering climate change implications of more than $2 trillion in assets under management. It has since broadened and deepened methodologies to cover different asset classes.
Founder Maximilian Horster will join ISS as a managing director as part of the acquisition. ISS said the deal cements its position as a provider of tools and services that allow investors to develop and integrate responsible investing policies and practices into their strategies, and to execute upon those policies through voting.
"This acquisition underscores our continued commitment to assist investment professionals through a rapidly growing suite of responsible investment solutions," said Ms. Kramer in the release. "Climate change is among the top issues for investors globally, and we are pleased to integrate their deep expertise, data, analytics and advisory with our existing services covering responsible investment policy development, screening, engagement and more."