M&A: Anthesis Acquires Sustainability Reporting Consultancy BuzzWord

Anthesis, backed by global investment firm Carlyle, has acquired sustainability reporting consultancy BuzzWord. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This is M&A deal number 111 that Sustainable Tech Partner has covered so far in 2024. See all M&A deals involving sustainability, climate tech and green IT services listed here.

BuzzWord, founded around 2004 or so, is based in New York. The company assists customers with ESG reporting, materiality assessments, gap analysis, and disclosure strategies. Key customers include American Airlines, Comcast, Marvell Technology and Paramount, according to BuzzWord.

Anthesis, founded in 2013, is based in London, United Kingdom. The company offers science- and evidence-based advisory solutions, digital products and data solutions, carbon project development and offsetting solutions, and purpose-led communications. The firm now employs roughly 1,300 specialists across 46 offices in 23 countries. The company has completed 23 acquisitions since 2013, including the January 2024 deal to buy Revolt.

Anthesis Acquires BuzzWord: Executive Perspectives

In a prepared statement about the acquisition, Anthesis CEO Stuart McLachlan said: “BuzzWord demonstrates a best-in-class approach to sustainability reporting, combining knowledge of the regulatory landscape, data-driven analysis, and honest narratives. Val and the BuzzWord team will be strong additions to Anthesis as we navigate our clients through the complexities of regulation and into positive and purposeful stakeholder engagement.”

Added BuzzWord CEO Valerie Lee: “Companies face an increasingly complicated reporting landscape, plus heightened expectations to articulate not only their sustainability ambitions but also credible plans for achieving them. We’re thrilled to join Anthesis, which will let us bring broader expertise to our clients. Together, the purpose-driven approach BuzzWord and Anthesis share will strengthen our ability to help our clients drive impact through disclosure and build trust through transparency.” 

Investment firm Carlyle has owned a majority stake in Anthesis since June 2023. Minority shareholders include employee shareholders and private equity firm Palatine.