RobecoSAM to transfer the SAM ESG Ratings and ESG Benchmarking Business to S&P Global
New York/Zurich, November 21, 2019 - RobecoSAM and S&P Global have agreed to build on the successful existing relationship by transferring the ESG Ratings and ESG Benchmarking Businesses to S&P Global. These units are specialized in providing ESG data, ratings, and benchmarking. They operate under the SAM brand and the transaction includes the widely followed SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).
As historically, RobecoSAM and Robeco will continue to have access to the CSA data for use in investment strategies and will provide advice on the CSA Methodology. In line with the strategy, the transaction will allow Robeco and RobecoSAM to focus on the interpretation and application of ESG data, as well as sustainable investing research for its core asset management activities.
First launched in 1999, in collaboration with S&P Dow Jones Indices – a Division of S&P Global, the CSA has become one of the world’s most extensive databases of sustainability information. It assesses over 4,700 companies around the world based on ESG criteria that are both industry-specific and financially material.
“The ESG data landscape is changing rapidly and data providers are evolving along with it. S&P Global is best positioned to maintain and build on the leading position of the CSA, which will continue to benefit Robeco, RobecoSAM, and their clients,” says Karin van Baardwijk, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, RobecoSAM.
“This transaction will allow us to focus on the successful integration and application of the CSA data that is used in many of our investment processes. Sustainable Investing is our key strength. We have carefully crafted our expertise in this area for over 20 years and been recognized for our excellence through numerous awards and the trust which clients put in us to help them invest sustainably. We will continue to invest and innovate in our Sustainable Investing capabilities to ensure we not only remain at the forefront of this exciting field but also expand our leading position.”
Contact:
RobecoSAM AG
François Vetri
Head of Corporate Marketing & Communications
+ 41 (44) 653 1002 (office)
com@robecosam.com