Bridgepoint, a private equity firm, is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Anthesis, a sustainability consultancy currently owned by Carlyle Group, according to sources familiar with the matter. The deal is expected to value Anthesis at more than £1 billion.
Deal Details and Background
Anthesis, founded in 2013, provides advisory services to companies on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, including carbon footprint reduction and sustainable supply chain management. Carlyle acquired a majority stake in Anthesis in 2021, and the firm has since expanded through acquisitions, now employing over 1,300 staff across 25 countries.
Bridgepoint, which manages around €35 billion in assets, has been increasing its focus on sustainable investments. The acquisition would mark one of the largest deals in the sustainability consulting sector, reflecting growing investor demand for ESG-focused services.
Market Impact and Industry Context
The potential acquisition comes amid a surge in regulatory pressure and corporate commitments to net-zero emissions, driving demand for specialized consultancy. Anthesis reported revenue of approximately £200 million in 2023, with strong growth in North America and Europe.
“The sustainability consulting market is expanding rapidly as companies face stricter reporting requirements and stakeholder expectations,” said a source close to the deal. “Anthesis has built a strong platform that could benefit from Bridgepoint’s resources.”
If completed, the transaction would be Bridgepoint’s largest in the ESG space, surpassing its 2022 investment in ESG data provider EcoAct. Carlyle is expected to retain a minority stake in Anthesis, according to insiders.
Regulatory and Timeline Considerations
The talks are ongoing and may not result in a definitive agreement. Any deal would require regulatory approvals, including from competition authorities in key markets. A formal announcement could come within weeks, though sources caution that negotiations remain private.
Representatives for Bridgepoint, Carlyle, and Anthesis declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment.
