host posted on May 20, 2011 23:19
Vantage Capital becomes a signatory to United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Vantage Capital Group (Pty) Ltd (“Vantage”) has become a signatory, in the category of Investment Manager, to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The management committee has approved the Principles and has committed to taking part in PRI’s annual Reporting and Assessment.
The PRI Initiative was started in 2005 by the United Nations Secretary-General to encourage institutional investors to develop and disseminate common principles that characterise responsible investing. The Principles were developed by investment professionals, with an emphasis on active management of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) improvements in their investee companies.
Vantage is particularly conscious of ESG issues in its investments, and has pledge to influence the social environment in which it operates positively, with due regard for environmental standards. Vantage also hopes to contribute to the shared pool of skills and knowledge associated with PRI-compliant investing. Vantage became a signatory in order to recognise this commitment, and to participate actively in the global sharing of best practices with the other 895 signatories, including such renowned investors as the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, CalPERS, BlackRock, and Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts.
As an authorised financial service provider, Vantage has a fiduciary duty to act in the best long-term interests of its beneficiaries. Vantage’s investment process and post-investment monitoring has always incorporated a high degree of engagement, particularly around corporate governance, social and environmental issues.
Recognising that applying the Principles may better align investors with the broader objectives of society, Vantage is committed to:
- incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes,
- seeking appropriate disclosure on ESG issues from the entities in which it invests,
- promoting acceptance and implementation of the principles within the investment industry, and
- reporting on its activities and progress towards implementing these principles.
Vantage has a value-add philosophy, and only invests in businesses where it is able to play an active role. As a pioneer in black empowered private equity fund management, Vantage is also
committed to black economic empowerment (“BEE”) and to the transformation of the private equity industry. This commitment is reflected in the composition of the team, which is representative of a broad range of skills and cultures.
Contact:
Luc Albinski, Divisional Director for Risk Capital
Vantage Capital
+27 (0) 11 530 9100
http://www.vantagecapital.co.za
May 2011