Mergers & Acquisitions names the 2021 PE Innovators in ESG, including, Grain Management.
ESG is fundamental to how Grain Management conducts business. “Serving as responsible stewards of capital means more than just creating financial value,” says the PE firm, which is focused on broadband technology and the global communications sector.
Founded in 2007, Grain excels in many of the components described in the ILPA ESG Assessment Framework.
Regarding the ESG ownership component, accountability for ESG outcomes is held from the top down within the firm. Grain founder and CEO David Grain has made a clarion call to employees to keep in mind “R to the fourth power”: to do the right things, for the right reasons, the right way, at the right time. Every leader, from ESG leader and chief compliance officer Letti de Little to leaders within the firm’s investment and deal teams strive to keep those principles in focus.
Another area in which Grain is advanced is in DEI at the GP Level. All levels at Grain are aware that DEI is important to the firm, and Grain uses a qualitative process focused on pay equality and carry distribution.
ESG considerations factor into the pre-investment phase at Grain, including bringing relevant ESG value creation opportunities to the Investment Committee for discussion. Grain also works with management teams to ensure ESG matters are identified and addressed to improve relevant metrics when applicable.
