The Swiss firm has a focus on SDG-aligned investments in emerging economies, with it noting that it is “broadening its shareholder base with an international investor fully aligned with its own values and culture”.
In a statement, responsAbility said the investment underlines the intention of both companies to continue to expand in the impact investment market.
Both companies are signatories of the IFC’s Operating Principles for Impact Investment Management.
Ross Piper, chief executive of Christian Super, said both firms had been pioneers in impact investing for more than a decade.
“We share a strong values alignment and a focus on the SDGs as a framework for investing capital for financial return and meaningful impact,” Mr Piper said.
“Our investment in responsAbility follows on from our establishment of Brightlight Impact Advisory in 2016 and signals our continued commitment to the growth of the impact investment market and to designing and delivering high-quality investment solutions to meet investors’ financial, social and environmental goals.”
The Swiss asset manager reported managing $4.2 billion in assets for private, institutional and public investors through a range of private debt and private equity funds.
It aims to develop for-profit investment solutions to promote the growth of privately owned companies across inclusive finance, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
The share capital of responsAbility is predominantly held by a range of prominent Swiss financial institutions as well as private investors, and its management and staff.
“We are delighted to welcome Christian Super as one of responsAbility’s shareholders, further broadening and internationalizing the company’s shareholder base,” Reto Schnarwiler, chairman of responsAbility, said.
“This is an important mark of recognition for responsAbility, as we have attracted the interest of a committed impact investor far beyond our original home market. We look forward to working with Christian Super to further expand the scope and impact of our investments in emerging economies.”
Consilium Capital was adviser to responsAbility on the transaction.
Sarah Simpkins
Sarah Simpkins is a journalist at Momentum Media, reporting primarily on banking, financial services and wealth.
Prior to joining the team in 2018, Sarah worked in trade media and produced stories for a current affairs program on community radio.
You can contact her on [email protected].
